Market Overview
Cuba was once the number one export market for U.S. rice, exports have since evaporated when the U.S. imposed an embargo against Cuba in 1958. Given their large consumption of rice at 190 lbs per capita annually, Cuba remains a large consumer of rice and will be a top market for U.S. rice once again. Progress was made to improve relations between 2014 and 2016, however the embargo remains intact and a combination of Congressional and Administrative action is needed to lift the embargo and allow U.S. firms to provide private financing for rice sales to resume.
USA Rice Activities
USA Rice maintains relationships with important stake holders of the rice trade in the country as well as at the Cuban Embassy in Washington DC. Although we do not currently export rice to Cuba, we continue to participate in trade shows and agricultural fairs on a regular basis.