According to El Nuevo Herald newspaper, in an unexpected turn of events amid economic difficulties CubaExports of food and other products from the United States to the Caribbean island increased significantly last year, driven by expanding trade involving small and medium-sized private companies.
According to data compiled by the New York-based Cuban American Economic and Trade Council, an organization dedicated to monitoring business with Cuba, American companies, many of which are located in Miami and Hialeah, exported food and agricultural products worth $342.6 million.
This amount represents an increase of 12.4% compared to the previous year, when exports to Cuba amounted to approximately $305 million after the licensing of small and medium-sized private companies in 2021.
The increase in exports was also reflected in December data, which showed a 58% increase compared to November, rising from $28.6 million to $45.2 million.
According to John Kavulich, president of the council, this data is important not only because of its value in US dollars, but also because of the significant increase in the number of companies, mainly located in South Florida, that export products from the United States. Countries to Cuba to support the emerging Cuban private sector.
Despite the trade and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba, there are exceptions that allow the export of food, agricultural products, medical supplies, and other categories of goods destined for the private sector rather than the Cuban government.
Kavulich noted that exports, other than food and agricultural products, amounted to about $24 million and included sales of cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles.
For years, the Cuban state company Alimport has been the main buyer of basic products imported from the United States. However, the economic crisis in Cuba, combined with the government's declining purchasing power and lack of liquidity to pay in advance, paved the way for small private companies, which began importing supplies for their businesses and products for sale on the island.
This trend has diversified trade between the two countries and led to an increase in the total volume of exports to Cuba.
Exports have also been boosted by the growth of e-commerce, with companies in Miami and other parts of Florida selling food and products online and delivering them to the island. In addition, Cuban businessmen are opening branches of their companies in the United States to be able to purchase supplies and receive payments abroad, allowing them to expand their businesses despite the financial constraints imposed by the blockade.
The Council also talks about exports of medical products and humanitarian aid to Cuba, which increased last year despite a decline in exports of medical products. However, the Council recognizes that the data collected does not fully reflect the actual amount of goods and donations arriving on the island, as many of these products are brought by American travelers, primarily Cuban Americans, for relatives in Cuba.
fountain: Nora Gamez Torres – El Nuevo Herald
