A watchdog group alleges that Central Romana Corporation, a major Dominican sugar producer with ties to the Fanjul family and the Trump administration, continues to subject workers to forced labor and abusive conditions. The Corporate Accountability Lab report found many workers, primarily of Haitian descent, face poverty wages, excessive overtime, and intimidation.
The allegations raise concerns about the ethical sourcing of imported goods and the potential influence of financial contributions on U.S. trade policy, particularly when linked to accusations of severe labor violations.
Central Romana Corporation, a major Dominican sugar producer with ties to the Fanjul family and the Trump administration, is accused of continuing to subject workers to forced labor and abusive conditions, according to a report by the Corporate Accountability Lab. The independent nonprofit found that many of the plantation's workers, who are primarily of Haitian descent, face poverty wages, excessive overtime, and intimidation and threats from management.
Despite previous import bans by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Trump administration lifted restrictions on the company in March 2025. This decision followed significant financial contributions from stakeholders, sparking renewed controversy. José Fanjul, known as Pepe, the owner of Central Romana and a Cuban American businessman, had donated to Trump's 2024 campaign and hosted events at his White House ballroom. The lifting of the ban occurred just weeks after Trump returned to office.