The political organization deemed the decision a sign of subservience to the White House and a blow to sovereignty and the prospects of advancing an independent development project.

The PCT maintained that, with this measure, President Luis Abinader favors importing sectors over Dominican producers.

  It further asserted that the president’s actions would set a negative precedent regarding the defense of national interests, arguing that his policy keeps the country subordinate to the dictates of U.S. imperialism.

  It warned that eliminating the provision would have serious consequences for a strategic sector of the national economy.

  The PCT called on rice producers and other national sectors to protest and resist what it termed an anti-national measure, believing it jeopardizes the interests of those who sustain the country’s agricultural production.   It also challenged what it described as the double standards of U.S. foreign and trade policy, noting that the country maintains various protectionist measures to benefit its own industry while promoting unfavorable competitive conditions for farmers in other nations.

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