Cuban Government Launches Dollar-Only Wholesale Store in Mariel

A significant development in Cuba's retail landscape has been announced by the Caribbean Store Chain: the opening of the "Mariel" Wholesale Caribbean outlet. This new store, located within the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM), will exclusively operate in U.S. dollars and is aimed at supplying businesses, entrepreneurs, and other non-state management entities.

The grand opening took place on Tuesday, May 6, in the ZAL 3 area of Mariel. The store aims to offer "efficient and accessible solutions" for supplies and materials to Cuban businesses, as stated by the entity on its social media platforms. "Your business deserves the best! We look forward to celebrating this important step towards strengthening the business sector together!" the state-run chain declared in their announcement.

This wholesale outlet will accept only international and national cards in USD, without accommodating payments in Cuban pesos (CUP) or Freely Convertible Currency (MLC), joining the expanding network of stores in Cuba that only transact in foreign currency.

The Expansion of Dollar-Based Commerce

The launch of this store aligns with the Cuban government's strategy to boost foreign currency collection amidst an economic crisis. This crisis is characterized by a shortage of goods in the national currency, reduced agricultural production, a decline in tourism, and serious liquidity issues.

According to the independent media outlet elTOQUE, at least 85 establishments in Cuba currently operate solely in USD. This number starkly contrasts with the initial projections of the CIMEX and Caribbean Stores chains, which promised not to exceed 7% of their sales points in this format. In February, the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) announced the creation of 50 currency-based stores, with 48 of them being newly constructed.

During that period, it was reported on the Round Table about a new store opening in 23rd and C, El Vedado, for wholesale sales of products—some from state entities and private sector SMEs—but all in the dollar sales modality.

Another effort by MINCIN to strengthen dollar commerce is the commercial company Mercalhabana SA, representing a network of 22 wholesale companies. Its goal is to engage as a shareholder in foreign investments and manage imports and exports to supply the wholesale channel.

Controversies and Exclusions

The regime is promoting this model as an alternative to sustain internal trade as part of a broader strategy to collect foreign currency in a context where the supply in national currency is increasingly scarce. However, this dollarization does not solve the structural problems of the Cuban economy; instead, it exacerbates inequality and restricts access to essential goods for those reliant on salaries and pensions in Cuban pesos.

Economists like Pedro Monreal criticize the partial dollarization of the sector, arguing it neither ensures a stable supply nor boosts national production. They also highlight that currency-based commerce is still controlled by state entities, while the private sector remains limited in its direct participation.

Moreover, the public is outraged that many stores have been converted to the dollar system without prior notice, further complicating access to basic products for those without access to foreign currency or foreign currency cards.

Meanwhile, Díaz-Canel has reiterated that securing foreign currency should be a national economic priority, urging the exploration of new revenue sources and advancing banking as part of redesigning the Cuban economic system.