DRFREEZONES to Host ‘The Dominican Republic Solution’ Webinar on Sept. 17

U.S.–Dominican Republic MedTech Supply Chain Collaboration: An Updated Total-Cost Analysis for Nearshoring Decisions

DRFREEZONES (DRFZ), an initiative of the National Free Zones Council of the Dominican Republic (CNZFE), will host a free live webinar on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. AST: "The Dominican Republic Solution: U.S.–Dominican Republic MedTech Supply Chain Collaboration: An Updated Total-Cost Analysis for Nearshoring Decisions." Alexander Schad, Ph.D., Executive Chairman of Frederic Schad and author of the underlying study, will present the updated analysis.

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Webinar invitation: The Dominican Republic Solution

The webinar will examine how manufacturers can evaluate the Dominican Republic within a more resilient and collaborative U.S. MedTech supply chain. Schad's analysis moves beyond factory price to consider the U.S. Trade Representative's July 2026 action under Section 301, which imposed an additional 12.5% tariff on Dominican Republic-origin products subject to specified exemptions, alongside logistics, transit time, inventory, working capital, quality coordination and disruption risk. Even after that tariff increase, Schad's updated findings indicate that the Dominican Republic's total cost of manufacturing for U.S.-bound medical devices remains more competitive than China's, as shorter lead times, lower inventory and logistics costs, and reduced supply-chain risk continue to offset the tariff differential. The updated presentation will reflect the latest U.S. trade-policy environment and its implications for nearshoring decisions.

By bringing these variables into a single decision framework, the session is intended to help executives compare sourcing and production locations on end-to-end operating impact rather than on nominal labor or factory costs alone.

The 48-minute program will include an institutional welcome, Schad's main presentation, a moderated conversation and an audience question-and-answer session. The discussion will connect the quantitative findings with the practical considerations facing manufacturers, supply-chain executives and investors assessing production and sourcing options.

"MedTech supply chains are not built on cost alone. They also depend on resilience, regulatory alignment, talent and the ability to work together in real time," said Johannes Kelner, Executive Director of CNZFE. "This webinar will give decision-makers updated evidence and a direct exchange on how the Dominican Republic can contribute to stronger and more responsive U.S. MedTech supply chains."

The webinar is free and open to manufacturers, supply-chain executives, investors and other decision-makers evaluating nearshoring and production options. Registration details and access information will be announced through DRFREEZONES.COM and the official DRFREEZONES LinkedIn channel.

About DRFREEZONES

DRFREEZONES (DRFZ) is an initiative of the National Free Zones Council of the Dominican Republic (CNZFE) created to present the country's free-zone value proposition, investment opportunities and sector intelligence to international audiences. Learn more at DRFREEZONES.COM.

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“MedTech supply chains are not built on cost alone. They also depend on resilience, regulatory alignment, talent and the ability to work together in real time.” — Johannes Kelner, Executive Director, CNZFE