NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD-TV) — U.S. agricultural and food exports to Cuba continue to grow under long-standing trade law, reaching a cumulative milestone of more than $8 billion since shipments resumed in late 2001. Recent data show that trade is accelerating modestly, even without changes to U.S. sanctions or financing rules.
Exports of U.S. ag and food products to Cuba totaled nearly $34 million in September 2025, up almost 9 percent from a year earlier. For the first nine months of 2025, shipments reached about $359 million, roughly 18 percent higher year over year, placing Cuba among the top 50 U.S. ag export destinations worldwide.
Trade is governed primarily by the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, which allows direct commercial exports of food and agricultural commodities on a cash-only basis. That structure limits volume growth while making Cuba a reliable buyer with minimal credit risk. Historically, products have included poultry, feed grains, wheat, rice, soy products, and processed foods, with shipments to Cuba’s re-emerging private sector.
Despite political constraints, proximity to U.S. ports and consistent food demand continue to support steady trade.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Industry-wide participation in SHIP enhances biosecurity and fosters global trust in U.S. pork, says swine health expert, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham.
September 24, 2025 03:32 PM
·
A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
September 24, 2025 02:41 PM
·
National Education Center for Ag Safety Director Dan Neenan joins us to discuss grain bin safety and the steps producers can take to prevent tragedies.
September 24, 2025 02:19 PM
·
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.
September 24, 2025 11:35 AM
·
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
September 23, 2025 01:32 PM
·
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
September 23, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
September 23, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
September 23, 2025 11:06 AM
·
The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
September 23, 2025 10:44 AM
·
