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Agricultural and food exports from the United States to Cuba reached their highest level in over a decade in February 2025, totaling 47 million dollars, according to a report from the Department of Agriculture of that country.
With a total value of 47,636,633.00, there was a year-on-year increase of 75.1% compared to February 2024, when exports were 27,204,788.00, and significantly above the 24,592,601.00 recorded in February 2023.
This performance makes February 2025 the month with the highest export volume since March 2014, when it reached 53,021,705.00.
The main products exported to Cuba were chicken, pork, milk, and coffee.
According to the Cuba-U.S. Economic and Trade Council, based in New York and advocating for increased business with the Island, the shopping basket for February 2025 included, among other items, $1,067,383 in used vehicles; $46,700 in trucks; $969,546 in motorcycles; and $7,468 in solar panels.
Why is it possible to export food to Cuba from the U.S.?
Despite the embargo, the reported exports correspond to products authorized by the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) and the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA), as well as other regulations in effect since 1992, supervised by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The TSREEA allows for the direct export and cash trade of food and agricultural products to Cuba, regardless of their destination or use, while sanitary and medical products remain under the regulation of the CDA.
The reported values do not include additional costs such as transportation, banking fees, or other logistical expenses.
Below, we list the top 10 products exported to Cuba in February 2025
Chicken leg quarters (frozen)
Value: US$ 15,950,060.00
Percentage of total: 33.55%
Frozen Chicken
Value: US$ 8,399,732.00
Percentage of total: 17.65%
Frozen Chicken Legs
Value: US$ 6,300,652.00
Percentage of total: 13.20%
Pork (frozen)
Value: US$ 2,580,189.00
Percentage of total: 5.40%
Milk and cream without concentration or sweetening
Value: US$ 1,584,593.00
Percentage of total: 3.30%
Roasted coffee, not decaffeinated
Value: US$ 1,011,605.00
Percentage of total: 2.10%
Prepared/Preserved Chicken Meat Paste
Value: US$ 965,353.00
Percentage of Total: 2.00%
Rice
Value: US$ 856,836.00
Percentage of total: 1.80%
Mixed seasonings and spices
Value: US$ 715,072.00
Percentage of total: 1.50%
Preparations Used in Animal Feed
Value: US$ 534,296.00
Percentage of total: 1.10%
Total combined of the top 10 products: US$ 38,907,388.00, which represents 81.7% of the total exported.
From January 2023 to February 2025, vehicles, motorcycles, and scooters worth over 76 million dollars were also exported to Cuba.
Until now, the total of Cuba's purchases from the US in 2025 amounts to over 93 million dollars, placing the island in 44th position in US exports.
Cuba's spending on purchases in the U.S
2025: 93,168,816 USD - Rank 44 (out of 212).
2024: 433,662,216 - 49 (out of 223).
2023: 342,607,027 - 53 (of 227).
2022: 328,536,988 - 55 (of 227).
2021: 304,774,413 - 53 (of 213).
2020: 163,354,728 - 61 (of 226).
2019: 257,659,479 - 56 (of 223).
2018: 224,910,413 - 60 (of 226).
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S. Food Exports to Cuba in 2025
Why have food exports from the U.S. to Cuba increased in 2025?
The food exports from the U.S. to Cuba reached their highest level since 2014 due to a 75.1% increase compared to the previous year. This rise is mainly attributed to the high demand for products such as chicken, pork, milk, and coffee, which are essential in the Cuban diet. The agricultural crisis in Cuba has led to an increasing reliance on imports to meet the country's food needs.
What are the main food products that the U.S. exports to Cuba?
In February 2025, the main products exported to Cuba from the U.S. were chicken, pork, milk, and coffee. Chicken, in its various forms, accounted for a significant portion of the exports, highlighting its importance as a source of protein in the Cuban diet. Additionally, products such as rice, seasonings, and animal feed preparations also played a prominent role.
How is it possible for the U.S. to export food to Cuba despite the embargo?
Food exports from the U.S. to Cuba are permitted under certain laws and regulations. The Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA) allows the export of food products to Cuba, provided that payments are made in cash. These operations are overseen by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
What impact does the agricultural crisis in Cuba have on food imports?
The agricultural crisis in Cuba has led to an increased dependence on food imports, especially of essential products like chicken and pork. The decline in national food production has created a situation of food insecurity, forcing the country to turn to international markets for supplies. This situation is reflected in the long lines and shortages in Cuban markets.
How has the import of vehicles influenced the Cuban economy?
In 2024, Cuba allocated a significant amount of resources to the importation of used vehicles from the U.S., which was 46 times greater than the amount designated for food in a specific month. This investment in vehicles has generated criticism due to the food crisis the country is facing, as non-essential goods are prioritized over basic products for the population.
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