The Cuban Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) shared images on Facebook this Tuesday, showcasing the unloading process of a second shipment of rice donated by China at Havana's port.
The ministry portrayed the effort as progressing "with determination and organization," although the unloading has dragged on for about 29 days—nearly triple the originally planned 10-day timeframe.
Arriving at Havana's Haiphong terminal on May 23, the 15,000-ton shipment was expected to be fully unloaded within ten days, a deadline that was not met.
Blaming the Embargo
MINCIN attributed the prolonged delay to "fuel shortages caused by the unjust blockade imposed by the United States government," using the regime's term for the embargo.
By May 29, Reinier Lores Riverón, head of ASEGEM—the MINCIN entity responsible for supply logistics—had publicly acknowledged the delay, blaming Washington for the slow rice unloading process.
"We have not been able to achieve the planned extraction rates due to the existing situation with fuel limitations arising from the signing of the second executive order by the United States government," stated Lores Riverón.
Cuba's Logistical Challenges
Last Thursday, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla reiterated these accusations on the social network X, claiming that the 15,000 tons "could not be immediately transported to each province due to disruptions related to freight transport," and that the oil embargo affects the supply of food and medicine on the island.
Rodríguez Parrilla also pointed out that "the lack of fuel prevents nearly 50% of the medicines produced in Cuba in recent months from being distributed throughout the country."
Nevertheless, the delay also underscores the regime's internal logistical shortcomings: a shortage of operational trucks, total reliance on imports for this dietary staple, and a deteriorating port infrastructure.
China's Commitment to Cuba
This second shipment is part of a total package of 60,000 tons approved in January 2026 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, to be distributed in four batches of 15,000 tons each, as part of an emergency aid package that also included $80 million for electrical equipment.
In addition to an initial commitment of 30,000 tons announced in January, China's total rice commitment to Cuba for 2026 amounts to 90,000 tons.
While the regime touts the unloading as an achievement, a pound of rice now costs over 350 pesos in Havana's informal market.
Key Questions on Cuba's Rice Shipment Delays
Why has the rice unloading taken so long in Cuba?
The Cuban government cites fuel shortages due to the U.S. embargo as the primary cause for the delay. However, internal logistical issues, such as a lack of operational trucks and poor port infrastructure, also contribute to the prolonged unloading process.
What is the total amount of rice China is sending to Cuba in 2026?
China has committed to sending a total of 90,000 tons of rice to Cuba in 2026. This includes a package of 60,000 tons distributed in four shipments and an initial commitment of 30,000 tons announced earlier in the year.