The official Johana Tablada, recently appointed as an ambassador of Cuba's foreign service, acknowledged that the country can acquire “all the chicken it wants” from the United States.
In an interview given this week on the videopodcast Alma Plus, hosted by the official journalist Laura Prada, the official explained that legislation passed in the year 2000 allows Cuba to purchase food in that market.
"In the streets, they tell you that there is no blockade because Cuba can buy all the chicken it wants from the United States and I would say, it's true, Cuba can buy all the chicken it wants from the United States," he said.
However, he justified that the imposed conditions make these purchases a “burdensome” and limited process and that transactions must be conducted with advance payment and high additional costs.
Tablada emphasized that, although this type of trade is legally permitted, there are "regulations" within the sanctions policy that have "tightened" the conditions.
“What's not explained to you is how the legal framework has been tightening, which are regulations that comply with U.S. law and international law. The framework of regulations, as the authors of these maximum pressure measures acknowledge— a term also used by the U.S. government, which we now refer to as maximum aggression,” he stated.
The official also insisted that the U.S. embargo remains an obstacle for the island's finances and international trade by "targeting" banks, shipping companies, and firms that do business with Cuba. "If there were no blockade, the United States wouldn't spend millions every year to enforce it," she stated.
The statements come amid the supply crisis that the country is experiencing, where the shortage of basic food items, including chicken, has led to strong criticism of the government's economic management.
While the Cuban regime continues to blame the U.S. embargo for the scarcity of basic goods, food and agricultural exports from the United States to Cuba are increasing.
In June 2025, they reached a value of 38.4 million dollars, which represents a 10% increase compared to the 34.9 million recorded in the same month of 2024 and also surpasses the figure of 37 million from June 2023.
Additionally, from January to June 2025, sales totaled $243.3 million, marking a year-on-year increase of 16.6% compared to $210.6 million in the first half of 2024.
The main product exported from the U.S. to Cuba is chicken meat, which accounts for nearly 54% of total exports.
The operations 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 allow for direct cash sales of food and agricultural products to Cuba, as well as other goods authorized by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Frequently asked questions about the importation of chicken from the U.S. to Cuba and the impact of the embargo
Can Cuba buy chicken from the United States?
Cuba can buy all the chicken it wants in the United States, according to the Deputy Director of MINREX, Johana Tablada. However, these purchases are made under restrictive conditions, such as advance payment and additional costs, which limits their economic viability.
Why does Cuba face difficulties importing food despite being able to purchase from the U.S.?
Despite the fact that U.S. legislation allows the sale of food to Cuba, regulations and the embargo complicate transactions, affecting the island's finances and international trade. This adds to the Cuban regime's accusations that the sanctions negatively impact its economy.
What is the impact of the U.S. embargo on the Cuban economy?
The embargo is presented by the Cuban government as a significant obstacle to its finances, arguing that it targets banks and companies that trade with Cuba. However, the economic system itself and ineffective management are also critical factors in the crisis the country faces.
How has the import of chicken from the U.S. to Cuba evolved in recent years?
U.S. chicken exports to Cuba have increased significantly, being the main imported food product by the island. In 2025, these exports showed a remarkable increase, although with some monthly fluctuations due to the complexities of international trade with Cuba.
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