A watchdog group reported that the Dominican sugar company Central Romana continued violating labor standards after President Trump lifted an import ban last year. The company, which has ties to the Trump family business, faced scrutiny for its treatment of workers.
The allegations center on forced labor practices and poor working conditions at the company’s plantations. Investigators documented cases of workers being denied fair wages and subjected to coercive recruitment methods. These findings contradict previous assurances that conditions had improved.
The import ban, originally imposed during the Biden administration, was lifted in 2025. That decision allowed Central Romana to resume shipping sugar to the United States. The company’s connection to the Trump family includes financial interests held through a trust.
Labor rights groups have urged the administration to reinstate the ban. They argue that continued imports reward a company that has not addressed systemic abuses. The watchdog group’s report includes interviews with workers and internal company documents.
Central Romana has denied the allegations, saying it complies with local and international labor laws. Company representatives pointed to recent investments in housing and healthcare for workers. Independent audits, however, have found persistent violations in recent years.
The U.S. Department of Labor has not announced any new actions. Officials said they are reviewing the report but offered no timeline for a response. The situation highlights the tension between trade policy and human rights enforcement.
For workers, the stakes remain high. Many are Haitian migrants who live in cramped quarters and depend on the company for basic needs. Advocacy groups say the lifting of the ban sent a signal that abuses would be tolerated.
This case follows a broader pattern of labor disputes in the Caribbean sugar industry. Similar allegations have been raised against other producers in the region. The industry’s reliance on migrant labor creates vulnerabilities that activists say require stronger oversight.
The Trump administration has defended its decision, pointing to diplomatic relations with the Dominican Republic. Officials noted that the country is a key ally in regional security efforts. They did not comment on the specific labor findings.
The report’s release comes amid ongoing debates over trade and ethical sourcing. Importers and retailers now face pressure to verify their supply chains. Some major buyers have already suspended purchases from Central Romana pending further review.
