Cuba received a donation of 10 thousand tons of rice sent by Vietnam this Saturday, amidst a situation where the highly sought-after grain has been scarce in state markets and warehouses for months, causing social unrest, endless lines, and a rise in the black market, where prices far exceed the average purchasing power.
The aid, managed by the party mechanisms of both nations, was formalized in a ceremony held at the Mariel Container Terminal, presided over by officials from both countries, reported the state media Cubadebate.
During the protocol event, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Finance, Le Tan Can, reaffirmed his country's commitment to Cuba and emphasized the historical nature of the ties between both nations. Additionally, an upcoming additional shipment of 1,500 tons of the cereal was announced, also as a donation.
On the Cuban side, the Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade, Aracelys Cardoso Hernández, expressed gratitude for the gesture and emphasized that these donations reflect the "unbreakable brotherhood" between Cuba and Vietnam, rooted in decades of political relations and economic cooperation between two single-party regimes.
Vietnam, also governed by a Communist Party, has been implementing a market-oriented economic reform policy for decades, allowing it to become a global leader in rice exports.
Cuba, for its part, has chosen a strategy of persistent centralization, where economic reform is more rhetorical than effective, highlighting the Cuban regime's dependence on external aid and credits.
In the report, no details were provided about when or how the rice will be distributed, nor whether it will be available for free to the entire population or subject to some type of restricted allocation.
According to official data, in 2024 Cuba produced only 30% of the rice it harvested in 2018, due to a lack of supplies and fuel, which has significantly reduced the area planted and yields per hectare.
This situation has forced the government to import 100% of the rice intended for the basic basket, increasing foreign currency expenditure in a complicated economic context.
Additionally, price caps have been imposed on common rice and beans. The maximum retail price for rice has been set at 155 pesos per pound. However, this measure has generated tensions in the market.
In Camagüey, for example, the enforcement of this price led to the widespread closure of sales stalls, as vendors found it unsustainable to sell at that price given the current costs of the product.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rice Crisis in Cuba
What was the reason for the recent donation of rice from Vietnam to Cuba?
The donation of 10,000 tons of rice sent from Vietnam to Cuba was made in response to the shortage of this grain on the island, which has caused social unrest and a rise in the black market. The donation is part of the historical ties and political cooperation between both countries, which are governed by a single-party system.
How does the rice shortage affect the Cuban population?
The shortage of rice in Cuba has led to endless queues and skyrocketing prices in the black market, where the cost of rice far exceeds the purchasing power of most Cubans. This situation has generated tensions and social unrest, as rice is a staple food in the Cuban diet.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to resolve the rice crisis?
The Cuban government has chosen to import 100% of the rice intended for the basic basket and has received donations from allied countries like Vietnam. Additionally, it has established price caps on rice and beans to try to curb inflation, although these measures have led to the closure of sales points because the set prices do not cover the sellers' costs.
What is the current situation of rice production in Cuba?
The production of rice in Cuba has drastically decreased, reaching just 30% of what was harvested in 2018 by 2024. This is due to a lack of supplies and fuel, which has reduced the cultivated area and yields per hectare. As a result, the country has had to rely entirely on imports to meet domestic demand for rice.
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