Cuba reports record economic damages due to US blockade

Cuba has reported that the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States caused $8.083 billion in damages between March 2025 and February 2026. This figure represents a 7% increase over the previous period, bringing the historical cumulative damage to $178.7 billion.

Cuban officials state that the blockade has significantly hindered the nation's economic growth, noting that Cuba's GDP in 2025 would have been 10.8% higher without these restrictions. The impact extends to essential sectors, including increased costs for medical equipment, medicines, and educational technology, as well as restricted access to international financing.

The restrictions have also contributed to energy shortages and difficulties in accessing basic goods. These domestic challenges coincide with global food price increases, which the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports have risen by 5.8% year-on-year, the highest level since November 2022.