Forced-Labor Tariffs Hit DR: The U.S. rolled out new Section 301 duties on 60 economies, including the Dominican Republic, with a 12.5% rate taking effect July 24—prompting Santo Domingo to issue a decree blocking imports tied to forced labor. Export Pressure: Dominican exporters warned the higher U.S. tariff could reduce competitiveness and force renegotiations with buyers, even if some textile items were exempt. Trade Compliance Response: U.S. rules also spell out how importers’ exposure depends on origin and product classification, while the DR’s decree sets customs-led procedures to identify and restrict suspect goods. Property Regularization: President Abinader delivered 1,000 property title certificates in Los Frailes, benefiting over 4,000 people and helping families access formal finance. Justice Access Expansion: The Attorney General inaugurated a Comprehensive Justice Access Center in Bahoruco, including units for gender-based and sexual violence victims. Sourcing for Fashion: A University of Delaware study found 76% of surveyed U.S. fashion brands sourced apparel from CAFTA-DR members, with the DR-Central America region gaining share. Business Networking: BNI announced it entered the Dominican Republic as part of continued global expansion. Food Cost Politics: Danilo Medina criticized rising basic food prices, saying families are cutting meals as costs climb.