SANTO DOMINGO.–Prices for construction materials remained stable during 2025 in most of the categories sold in hardware stores, according to Constantino Ramírez, president of the Dominican Association of Hardware Stores (ASODEFE), who spoke on Thursday.
The union leader noted that cement prices, one of the basic building materials, remained stable, fluctuating between 440 and 450 pesos, while rebar went from 435 to 450 pesos to close around 495 pesos, reaching consumers "approximately 540 pesos." He also pointed out that the exchange rate remained at levels he considered favorable. "The exchange rate stayed at 60, 62, and 64 pesos, which represented a good price," he stated.
The Direct Housing Cost Index (ICDV) for November 2025 showed a significant decrease in the steel group, which fell 18.10% compared to October, according to the bulletin published by the National Statistics Office (ONE).
This behavior directly impacted the monthly result of the indicator, which stood at 235.73 points, with an overall variation of -1.48% compared to the previous month.
According to the document, from December 2024 to November 2025 the index accumulated an increase of 3.53%, while compared to November 2024 it showed a year-on-year variation of 3.74%.
Ramírez pointed out that the country's production structure remains limited in this sector. "We don't have a strong production capacity in this sector; it's very limited, basically cement and steel," he stated.
He explained that this situation forces them to rely on imported inputs and, therefore, on the behavior of the dollar and oil. "So, it's true that we depend on the future of the official currency, the world currency that has dominated the economy until now, which is the dollar, and on oil as a source of development," he stated.
The president of ASODEFE emphasized that the fluctuation of the dollar has been a determining factor in price formation. "Over time, the prices of what we consume—whether in construction, medicine, education, or food—depend on the fluctuation of the dollar.".
Ramírez explained that the availability of foreign currency also influenced costs throughout the year. “The price of the dollar rose due to the shortage of foreign currency, and suddenly, prices also increased because we all buy from abroad. We are consumers, not producers. Therefore, we are completely dependent,” he stated.
Products
Regarding the behavior of specific products, he detailed that cement moved between 440 and 450 pesos, while rebar went from 435 and 450 pesos to close around 495 pesos, reaching the consumer "approximately 540 pesos".
The leader explained that competition between establishments also influenced market stability. "This also has a lot to do with competition. That's why participation in a sale contributes to price recall," he stated.
Hardware store report
According to the Hardware Items Price Monitoring for November 2025, published on the website of the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (ProConsumidor), the main construction materials maintained stable ranges during the evaluated period.
The report details that gray cement in 42.5 kg bags had prices ranging from RD$490 to RD$625 per bag, depending on the establishment. For 3/8″ rebar, prices ranged from RD$2,920 to RD$3,845 per quintal, according to a survey conducted in hardware stores in Greater Santo Domingo.
The report also identified moderate variations in other inputs such as blocks, sand, gravel, wire, and pipes, although without any abrupt increases that would alter the overall market behavior. Additionally, specific price differences were observed between hardware stores, particularly in tools, paints, and plumbing supplies.
ProConsumidor explained that these surveys allow for comparison of prices and availability between different points of sale, guaranteeing transparency in the hardware market and offering an official reference on the behavior of construction supplies.
