The Dominican Republic trade, policies, and effects in historical perspective: Trading development or developing trade?

The Dominican Republic's partaking in the global economy has fluctuated significantly since post-colonial times. This paper follows this country's journey in and out of the world markets since 1880s by analysing the role of the export sector within the economy and the impact on development. We are interested in whether the DR developed due to the expansion of trade or if actually trade hampered development. We find that the integration to the world economy has been costly, as the volatility of the terms of trade and capital flows increased the country's vulnerability. The implemented governmental policies introduced distortions to the economy and achieved few gains in terms of economic development. Export diversification arrived relatively late to the DR, and the effects on development have been divergent, as far as improving trade balance, promoting diversification, building human capital, and creating employment.L'intégration de la République Dominicaine dans l'économie globale a considérablement fluctué depuis l'époque coloniale. Cet article explore le parcours de ce pays en ce qui concerne son insertion dans les marchés internationaux, par le biais de l'analyse du secteur exportateur et son impact dans l'économie locale et dans le développement économique en général. Nous tenons à évaluer le rôle du commerce international dans le développement de la République Dominicaine en utilisant une perspective à long terme.A integração da República Dominicana na economia global tem flutuado consideravelmente desde a época colonial. Este artigo explora a viagem deste país em relação aos mercados internacionais, analisando o setor de exportação e seu impacto sobre a economia local e no desenvolvimento econômico em geral. O nosso interesse radica em avaliar o papel do comércio internacional no desenvolvimento da República Dominicana usando uma perspectiva de longo prazo.La integración de la Republica Dominicana en la economía global ha fluctuado considerablemente desde la época colonial. Este artículo explora el viaje de este país en relación a los mercados internacionales mediante el análisis del sector exportador y su impacto en la economía local y en el desarrollo económico en general. Nuestro interés radica en evaluar el rol de comercio internacional en el desarrollo de la República Dominicana utilizando una perspectiva de largo plazo