Trade With Cuba

In October 2000, the U.S. Congress passed legislation, later signed by the President into law on October 28, 2000, which changed the U.S.-Cuba trade relationship by enacting certain exceptions from U.S. sanctions legislation for agricultural and medical exports. The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 was not comprehensive and some prohibitions remain. The ban on U.S. imports from Cuba was not changed by this legislation.

Cuba’s Food & Agriculture Situation Report (March 26, 2008; .pdf)

Frequently Asked Questions

       Can I export to Cuba?
       Until all these new regulations are in place, what can I do in Cuba?
       How do I find potential buyers? 
       Can representatives of U.S. agricultural cooperatives, trade associations, or state 
          governments visit Cuba and perform market development activities?
       How will I get paid?
       What is the current level of Cuba’s agricultural trade? What products?

General Agricultural Background

       Cuba’s Food & Agriculture Situation Report (March 2008; .pdf)
       Cuba's Citrus Industry: Growth and Trade Prospects
            Economic Research Service, USDA.  April 2004
       Cuba's Tropical Fruit Industry
            Economic Research Service, USDA.  April 2004
       Cuban Agriculture
            University of Florida, Food and Resource Economics Department

Commodity Fact Sheets and Trade Updates

       Cuban Market, Good for U.S. Grain (07/27/05)
       Cuba's Poultry Market
       Cuba's Corn Market
       Cuba's Wheat Market
       Cuba's Oilseeds and Products Market
       Cuba's Pork Market 

U.S. Foreign Policy, Travel Guidance and General Background Information

       U.S. State Department
            (country and economic information)
       CIA World Fact Book

Export and Trade Guidance
Trade with Cuba will be regulated, primarily by Commerce and Treasury Departments. Agencies will be writing new regulations on Cuba. View current regulations at the links below.

       Export licensing process
            U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security
       Rules on use of dollars by travelers and permitted travel
            U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Asset Control
       Eligible Commodities List (.pdf)

Trade Data
Cuba imports about $1 billion in agricultural products overall. Download trade data from U.S. competitors here.

       European Union Trade With Cuba
       Canada Trade With Cuba
       Argentina Trade with Cuba
       China Trade With Cuba

U.S. Legislation
The authorizing legislation was signed by the President Oct. 28, 2000, as part of Congress’ fiscal year 2001 appropriation for agriculture.

       Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000

For More Information
       Sanctions and Trade Policy: 
              Loyd Coonrod, Tel. (202) 720-1325, FAX (202) 690-1093, loyd.coonrod@fas.usda.gov
              Charles Marston, Tel. (202) 720-4376, FAX (202) 690-1093, charles.marston@fas.usda.gov   
       Media: 
              Sally Klusaritz, Tel. (202) 720-7115, FAX (202) 720-1727, sally.klusaritz@fas.usda.gov 
       Analysis, Fact Sheets, and Trade Data: 
              Mike Dwyer, Tel. (202) 720-3124 Fax.(202) 690-3606, mike.dwyer@fas.usda.gov

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