U.S. food and agricultural product exports to Cuba increased by 13.2% in May 2026, driven by demand from the private sector, against a backdrop of intensified sanctions from Washington against entities of the Cuban regime. This increase confirms a growing trend: as pressure on state-owned enterprises mounts, licenses for private businesses continue to allow a significant flow of goods to the island.
According to the Economic Eye on Cuba report 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. This marks the first significant year-on-year growth of 2026, although the year's cumulative balance remains below that of the previous year.
Between January and May, exports totaled $189.03 million, a decrease of 7.7% compared to the $204.93 million from 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, compared to the 52nd place it held a year earlier.
Vehicles and food for the private sector
The most striking figure in May was not a food item, but rather the strong volume of exports of vehicles, parts, motorcycles, and bicycles, which amounted to 15.74 million dollars. These products were authorized 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 be a central focus. Exports included 3.6 million dollars in fresh eggs, 1.47 million in incubation eggs, as well as cane and beet sugar, solar cells, and even a motorhome valued at 14,360 dollars.
The report also shows the best-selling foods to Cuba during May. Frozen chicken leg quarters topped the list with $9.72 million, followed by frozen chicken ( $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-Vance administration authorized fuel exports worth $23.89 million to the Cuban private sector during May.
These operations are conducted under the exception known as "Support for the Cuban People", which expressly excludes the Cuban State, the Armed Forces, and state-owned enterprises, with the aim of directly benefiting entrepreneurs and independent citizens.
The growth of vehicle exports confirms 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, accumulated sales of vehicles, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and parts have exceeded 285 million dollars, while the total value of exports related to the resurgence of the Cuban private sector surpasses 485 million. Just in 2026, these operations have already totaled over 90 million dollars.
The report states that this growth has been driven by the expansion of small private businesses, which require equipment, transport, and supplies to maintain their operations.
Trade Amid New Sanctions
The figures come at a time of apparent contradiction in U.S. policy toward Cuba.
While Washington keeps the licenses for exports aimed at 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, which is the main entry point for a significant portion of goods coming from the United States.
The measure presents new logistical challenges for a bilateral trade that continues to grow in some sectors despite the increase in restrictions.
A trade permitted by U.S. legislation
Food and agricultural product exports are carried out 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.
Health products, for their part, are governed by the Cuban Democracy Act (CDA) of 1992. In May, this sector accounted for only $9,240 in exports.
The fiscal year 2025 concluded with a record of $490.1 million in agricultural and food exports from the United States to Cuba, that, while small on a global scale, remains significant for numerous American exporters.
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