US pork export to Cuba increases significantly

Although food has not been under the embargo of the United States for years, America has never imported much meat to Cuba. The sector has had its eye on the market for years, but success has eluded them. However, this year the export of pork to the country has increased significantly.  

For years, practically all trade between the United States and Cuba was non-existent. Since 1958, there has been a very strict embargo on trade with the country. However, since 2000, it has been legal to export American food to the country. Since then, the American meat sector has been eager to trade in the neighboring country.

Significant increase
Until last year, attempts to enter the Cuban market were not very successful. However, this year, the pork sector in the neighboring country is finally gaining ground. The export to the island has increased significantly. The export of pork increased by 322% in the first nine months of the year to 5,843 tons, according to data from the American Meat Export Federation USMEF. The value of the export increased by 236% to $17.2 million.

According to the USMEF, the increase in exports is finally succeeding because imports from the private sector are increasing. The growth is mainly driven by an increase in the export of canned products. The total export increased by 1,500% to 3,234 tons. The export had a total value of $5.4 million.

Matthijs Bremer

Matthijs Bremer is a market specialist in pork, beef, and poultry meat at DCA Market Intelligence. He also monitors the protein transition, keeping an eye on developments in cultured meat and meat substitutes.

m.bremer@farmerbusiness.com