Food and agricultural product exports from the United States to Cuba increased by 13.2% in May 2026, amidst a context of tightening sanctions from Washington against entities of the Cuban regime.
According to the bulletin Economic Eye on Cuba, published by the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, U.S. sales reached $42.19 million in May, compared to $37.24 million recorded in the same month of 2025, although the cumulative balance for the year remains below that of the previous year.
Between January and May, exports totaled 189.03 million dollars, a decrease of 7.7% compared to the 204.93 million during the same period in 2025. Nevertheless, Cuba slightly improved its position as a market for U.S. agricultural exports, ranking 51st out of 219 destinations, up from 52nd the previous year.
Vehicles and food for the private sector
The most striking statistic from May was not a food item, but rather the significant volume of vehicle, parts, motorcycle, and bicycle exports, which totaled $15.74 million. These products were approved through licenses from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce and are intended for the Cuban private sector.
Food continued to occupy a central place. Exports included $3.6 million in fresh eggs, $1.47 million in hatching eggs, as well as cane and beet sugar.
The report also includes exports of solar cells and a motorhome valued at $14,360.
The report also shows the best-selling food items to Cuba during May. Frozen chicken quarters topped the list with $9.72 million, followed by frozen chicken (with $6.83 million), chicken legs ($3.39 million), fresh eggs ($3.32 million), and frozen pork ($3.13 million). The top ten products accounted for 78.6% of all U.S. agricultural exports to the island that month.
Authorized fuel under the "Support for the Cuban People" exception
In addition to food and consumer goods, the Trump administration authorized fuel exports worth $23.89 million intended for the private sector in Cuba during May.
These operations are carried out under the exception called "Support for the Cuban People", which explicitly excludes the Cuban State, the Armed Forces, and state-owned enterprises, aiming to directly benefit entrepreneurs and independent citizens.
The growth of vehicle exports reflects one of the most significant changes in trade between the two countries since 2022, when the first licenses for such operations were issued.
Since then, the accumulated sales of vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and parts have exceeded 285 million dollars, while the total value of exports linked to the initiatives authorized for citizens and private businesses in Cuba surpasses 485 million. In 2026 alone, these operations already amount to more than 90 million dollars.
The report states that this growth has been driven by the purchase of equipment, transportation, and other supplies by the Cuban private sector.
Trade Amid New Sanctions
The figures come at a time of apparent contradiction in U.S. policy towards Cuba.
While Washington keeps export licenses for the private sector open, the Trump-Vance administration has tightened sanctions against companies controlled by the regime. On July 24, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) added Mariel Container Terminal S.A. to its list of blocked entities, the main entry point for a significant portion of goods coming from the United States.
The measure presents new logistical challenges for bilateral trade, which remains dynamic in certain sectors despite the increase in restrictions.
A trade permitted by U.S. legislation
Food and agricultural product exports are conducted under the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act (TSREEA), enacted in 2000, which authorizes the direct sale of food and agricultural products to Cuba under certain conditions.
Sanitary products, for their part, are governed by the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992. In May, this category accounted for only 9,240 dollars in exports.
The fiscal year 2025 ended with a record of $490.1 million in U.S. agricultural and food exports to Cuba.
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