In June 2025, the United States saw a significant surge in its exportation of food and agricultural products to Cuba, reaching a total value of $38.4 million. This reflects a 10% increase from the $34.9 million recorded in June 2024 and surpasses the $37 million figure from June 2023.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S.-Cuba Economic and Trade Council reveals that from January to June 2025, sales amounted to $243.3 million, marking a 16.6% year-over-year growth compared to the $210.6 million in the first half of 2024. Among the most prominent exports is chicken meat, accounting for nearly 54% of the exports, totaling $20.4 million.
Other exported food products include pork ($3.2 million), powdered milk ($1.8 million), rice ($1.5 million), various frozen food preparations ($876,215), communion wafers ($776,301), and coffee ($699,273). Although there were no recorded sales of medical and healthcare products to Cuba in June, other sectors like automotive and construction did see exports.
Used vehicle exports amounted to $12.15 million, motorcycles $1.94 million, marble and travertine $23,521, enzymes $13,498, and bicycles $22,160. Additionally, solar cells worth $43,500 and wire-working machines valued at $12,000 were acquired.
Since 2023, cumulative exports resulting from initiatives by the Obama-Biden, Trump-Pence, and Biden-Harris administrations have exceeded $155 million. Projections indicate that the total for 2025 could surpass $170 million, driven by increased purchases from Cuba's private sector.
These transactions are conducted under the legal framework of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000 and the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992, which permit direct cash sales of food and agricultural products to Cuba, along with other goods authorized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
Since the TSREEA was implemented in December 2001, Cuba has spent over $7.885 billion on food imports from the United States. Despite these substantial purchases, the Cuban regime continues to blame the U.S. embargo for the shortage of basic goods, failing to acknowledge the actual volume of imports permitted under legal exceptions.
Understanding U.S.-Cuba Trade Relations
What are the main products exported from the U.S. to Cuba?
The primary exports include chicken meat, pork, powdered milk, rice, and various frozen food preparations. Additionally, used vehicles and motorcycles are significant exports.
How do U.S. laws enable these exports to Cuba?
The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) of 2000 and the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992 allow for direct cash sales of food and agricultural products and other approved goods, under the oversight of OFAC and BIS.
Why does the Cuban government blame the U.S. embargo for shortages?
The Cuban government attributes shortages to the U.S. embargo, despite the legal exceptions that allow for significant imports, as the regime often does not recognize the extent of these permitted transactions.