Amazon Air Cargo arrives in the Dominican Republic: advantages and opportunities
The Dominican Republic continues to consolidate its position as the most important logistics hub in the region . This assertion is reinforced by Amazon’s arrival on the Caribbean island with a view to establishing a regional distribution center.
Amazon is a giant global logistics and e-commerce company that owes its success to its rigorous commercial strategy. Choosing the Dominican Republic as its next commercial hub is not an isolated decision, but rather driven by the nation’s accumulated logistical and strategic advantages.
According to Customs Director Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, a historic milestone was reached in the country on September 3 with the arrival of Amazon’s first cargo plane.
World-class infrastructure: A new courier terminal was inaugurated at AILA in August 2025 with an investment of US$10 million , increasing capacity by 186% and allowing for the processing of up to 4 million additional packages per year , with 24/7 operations.
Air cargo on the rise: Las Américas International Airport (AILA) handled 216 million pounds of cargo in 2024 , an 11% growth compared to the previous year . In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the increase was 15% compared to the same period in 2024.
Expanding e-commerce: the Dominican e-commerce market exceeded US$5.2 billion in 2024 and maintains a projected compound annual growth of around 17% until 2027 , confirming the dynamism of internal and regional demand.
Figures that support the country strategy
This announcement is no coincidence: it is supported by a series of recent data that consolidates the Dominican Republic as a key logistics hub in the region.
- Air cargo booms: Las Américas International Airport (AILA) handled 216 million pounds of cargo in 2024 , an 11% increase year-over-year . In the first quarter of 2025 alone, the increase was 15% compared to the same period in 2024.
- World-class infrastructure: A new courier terminal opened at AILA in August 2025 with an investment of US$10 million , increasing capacity by 186% and allowing for the processing of up to 4 million additional packages per year , with 24/7 operations.
- Expanding e-commerce: The Dominican e-commerce market surpassed US$5.2 billion in 2024 and maintains a projected compound annual growth of around 17% through 2027 , confirming the dynamism of domestic and regional demand.
These figures show why Amazon selected the Dominican Republic as its distribution center in the Caribbean: a country with sustained growth , prepared infrastructure , and a rapidly expanding digital market .
What does it mean for the Dominican Republic?
The arrival of Amazon with a distribution center brings economic opportunities and significant logistical improvements to the country, such as job creation, benefits for sectors such as logistics, transportation, and technology, and an increase in the country’s logistics capacity.
In this sense, if we explore the advantages and opportunities that the arrival of Amazon would present, the following pillars can be addressed:
Economic advantages for the country:
- Foreign direct investment : The logistics sector is positioned as one of the pillars of foreign direct investment in the country. Amazon’s arrival positions the country as an attractive hub for more multinationals.
- Boosting e-commerce : In line with recent Dominican government policies, following the inauguration of a courier terminal at Las Américas International Airport for express package delivery and e-commerce, an Amazon center in the country would represent a modernization of the digital ecosystem and strengthen consumer confidence in online shopping.
Amazon not only brings benefits to consumers, but also represents an opportunity for modernization and competitiveness for the entire commercial and logistics ecosystem in the Dominican Republic.
Advantages of Amazon in the Dominican Republic as a logistics hub
A company of Amazon’s stature establishing itself on a small island in the middle of the Caribbean might seem like a dream come true. However, the Dominican Republic boasts a significant list of advantages as a logistics hub:
- Strategic location: The country is located in the center of the Caribbean, just a few hours’ flight from major cities like Miami, and just a few days’ sailing from major ports on the east coast of the United States. This specific advantage allows companies to reduce delivery times and costs.
- Trade agreements: Another important advantage of the country is the number of trade agreements to which it is a party, expanding opportunities for commercial expansion.
According to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs, the Dominican Republic has five trade agreements:
- Modern infrastructure: The Dominican Republic has made continuous efforts to strengthen its productive infrastructure to support the development of the sector. Currently, there are approximately 90 free trade zone parks distributed throughout the country. These industrial complexes offer modern facilities, access to quality basic services, and amenities such as water treatment plants, security systems, and internal customs offices. Thanks to the availability of ready-to-use spaces, companies can establish themselves and begin operations more quickly.
With over 70 years of experience, Pellerano & Herrera is the leading law firm in the Dominican Republic, recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation in legal practice. The firm supports the growth and development of the sector’s resources, elevating quality standards and fostering sustainable business development in the country.
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