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Cuba imports record $875 million from US amid sanctions
Cuban imports from the United States reached a record $875.9 million between January and August 2026, surpassing the total for all of 2025. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, this represents the highest level of trade since 1992.
Despite severe Washington sanctions, the growth is driven largely by Cuba's expanding private sector. While the U.S. government has blocked state-level access to fuel, it has authorized sales to the private sector, making the U.S. the primary provider of gasoline and diesel for the island. Additionally, solar panel and system exports to Cuba totaled $6.3 million between January and July, a more than 1,000% increase compared to 2025.
Other notable trends include an unprecedented influx of new vehicles imported by private actors from U.S. markets. Domestically, the economic divide remains stark; government-run stores like the Caracol Market in Havana operate exclusively in U.S. dollars, a policy that has drawn criticism from citizens whose pensions are paid in Cuban pesos.
Entities
Caracol Stores · China · Cuba · U.S. Census Bureau · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Solar energy exports to Cuba increased by more than 1,000% compared to 2025. udgtv.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · www.elespectador.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Caracol Market Comodoro in Havana operates exclusively in U.S. dollars. www.cubaheadlines.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The minimum official pension in Cuba is 4,000 Cuban pesos monthly. www.cubaheadlines.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] U.S. exports of solar panels and systems to Cuba totaled $6.3 million between January and July. udgtv.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · www.elespectador.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Cuban imports from the United States exceeded $875 million between January and August 2026. udgtv.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · www.elespectador.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The U.S. has authorized fuel sales to Cuba's private sector. udgtv.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · www.elespectador.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Washington has cut state-level access to fuel purchases in Cuba. udgtv.com · www.elnuevosiglo.com.co · www.elespectador.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The estimated monthly cost of living for basic needs in Cuba exceeds 96,000 Cuban pesos. www.cubaheadlines.com