US growers are looking to boost trade with Cuba, as the embargo weakens. Executives of 114 companies from 25 US states, backed by five members of the US Congress, are on a trade mission, looking to increase sales of fresh produce to Cuba.
According to the Washington Post, US sales of agricultural products to Cuba are allowed on a cash-only basis under an exception to the embargo enforced against Castro's government since 1962. Despite the hostility between Washington and Havana, US exports have totalled $1.55 billion since 2001, with the United States having become Cuba's biggest food suppliers.
But sales fell 10 percent in 2005 to $350 million, and dipped further last year to $340 million, a decline blamed on a 2005 decision by the Bush administration to require Cuba to pay before its food shipments can leave US ports.
Cuba imports $1.6 billion in food each year to feed its people.
"When it all shakes down, we believe a big part of the rest will be from the United States," said Marvin Lehrer, an adviser to the USA Rice Federation.
Lehrer said business with Cuba was booming until the Bush administration tightened payment rules, forcing Cuba to pay through third countries due to the lack of direct banking.
Cuba's food import agency Alimport hopes to recover growth in business with the United States by closing deals worth $150 million this week.
Cuba turned to the United States for food, citing its competitive quality and prices and its proximity, and Alimpor said purchases could triple if the embargo goes.
Cuba has spread its business among 35 states, a move some analysts say is aimed at encouraging domestic US opposition to the embargo. Several legislative proposals to lift or ease the sanctions are currently before Congress.
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