By Ayose Naranjo
Impact of U.S. Trade Policies on Cuba’s Economy
In 2025, damages from the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba increased by 7 percent compared to the previous year, reaching a total of $8.1 billion, according to Rodriguez. This financial strain is expected to worsen in early 2026, as Cuba’s foreign minister noted that the recent oil blockade imposed by the Trump administration has severely disrupted the island’s oil output. The blockade has led to widespread blackouts, with power outages now lasting several days across the nation.
“It means long months spent living with only 2 or 3 hours of electricity a day or less, food spoiling, heat that makes it impossible to sleep, children doing their homework in near darkness.
“The blockade doesn’t punish the government, it punishes every person in every way,” Cuba`s top diplomat said. The U.S., which regards the Cuban government as presenting national security concerns, has previously said the blockade and stepped-up sanctions are necessary to force a change to the communist-run government, which the Trump administration accuses of limiting Cuban’s economic and human rights.
HAVANA, Sept 7 – Cuba’s top diplomat said on Monday there are no talks underway with the United States, nor were there any plans for future negotiations, amid a “genocidal” blockade that Cuba says has cost the island nation over $8 billion in economic damages in the last year. “There are no negotiations or agendas, although a willingness to stay in contact remains despite the lack of progress,” Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, told reporters at a press conference in Havana.
