EU official warns that Haiti's ban on some Dominican goods will drive up prices for Haitians

A European Union official warns that an upcoming Haitian ban on some Dominican Republic products will drive up prices in the impoverished country.

Alberto Navarro, head of the EU delegation in the Dominican Republic, said Tuesday that wheat, corn, bread and other affected goods could become up to 40 percent more expensive in Haiti.

Haiti's government says it is banning 23 Dominican goods from crossing the border of the island it shares with the Dominican Republic to improve tax collection. The goods will be allowed to enter Haiti by boat or plane.

The goods represent some $500 million in sales a year and make up 6 percent of all Dominican exports.

The ban comes amid growing tensions between the two countries as the Dominican Republic steps up deportation of Haitians.