Cuba purchased less chicken from the United States between January and July 2024, according to data published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The recorded amount stood at 146,000 tons, approximately equivalent to 5,840 containers. Furthermore, the figure is lower than that of the same period in 2023, but the value was 2.5 percent higher, indicating a price increase, explained the esteemed economist Pedro Monreal.
On the social network X, Monreal stated that, in monthly terms, the exported tons decreased by 7.5 percent in July 2024 and recorded a reduction of 6.7 in value, reflecting the usual fluctuating pattern of monthly chicken meat exports from the U.S. to Cuba.
He also explained that exports from the North American country are the main source of animal protein consumed in Cuba and compensate for the acute national agricultural crisis.
The value of $1.24 per kilogram of chicken from the U.S. exported in July 2024 was slightly higher than the previous month ($1.23/Kg). This is the FOB value (free on board at the port of shipment).
The figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture include all chicken meat exports to Cuba contracted for sale by all types of entities (state, cooperative, and MIPYMES).
The lower level was also recorded in the first half of the year, while at the end of 2023, a dramatic decline in chicken exports was observed, with a decrease of 26.5 percent in value and 32 percent in volume compared to the previous month, reaching its lowest level since June 2020.
All of this happens when there has been a shortage of chicken in Cuba for months, both in the bodegas and in state stores. Additionally, the sales spaces have raised their prices.
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