Cuba reports record $8.1 billion economic loss due to US embargo

US embargo Cuba economic crisis energy blockade sanctions impact Bruno Rodríguez

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has reported that the United States trade embargo caused record economic losses of approximately $8.1 billion between March 2025 and February 2026. This figure represents a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Cumulative damages from the decades-long blockade are estimated at $178.7 billion at current prices.

The report highlights a deepening energy crisis exacerbated by recent US executive orders targeting fuel supplies and photovoltaic equipment. These measures have led to electricity outages lasting more than 60 consecutive hours in some areas, impacting water supply, healthcare, and food preservation. Additionally, the tourism sector has seen a significant decline, with international arrivals dropping 62% in the first seven months of 2026.

While Cuba maintains a willingness to engage in dialogue based on international law, Rodríguez confirmed there are currently no active negotiations or defined roadmaps for talks with the United States. The US government maintains that these sanctions are necessary to pressure the Cuban administration regarding economic and human rights issues.

Entities

Alena Douhan · Bruno Rodríguez · Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla · Cuba · Donald Trump · UN Human Rights Council · United Nations · United States

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 12 SOURCES] The US economic, commercial, and financial blockade caused losses of $8,083,300,000 between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026. www.mep.gob.cu · www.poderycritica.com · www.radioguantanamo.icrt.cu · www.extranoticias.cl · adelante.cu · +7 more
[● 6 SOURCES] An executive order issued on January 29 established new restrictions on the supply of fuel and energy inputs to Cuba. lanigua.com.mx · www.radioguantanamo.icrt.cu · adelante.cu · ensegundos.do · www.ecoportal.net · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The reported annual loss figure does not include damages from the energy blockade or secondary sanctions. www.extranoticias.cl · ensegundos.do · www.ecoportal.net · tribunanoticias.mx · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +1 more
[● 15 SOURCES] The recorded losses for the 2025-2026 period represent a 7% increase compared to the previous year. www.mep.gob.cu · www.poderycritica.com · www.extranoticias.cl · www.brasildefato.com.br · ensegundos.do · +10 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Cumulative damages from the blockade over six decades amount to $178,700,500,000 at current prices. www.mep.gob.cu · www.poderycritica.com · cubaenresumen.org · orinocotribune.com · www.escambray.cu · +1 more
[DISPUTED] The blockade has contributed to electricity outages exceeding 60 consecutive hours in some instances. www.poderycritica.com · www.extranoticias.cl · ensegundos.do · www.ecoportal.net · tribunanoticias.mx · +7 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Cuba's imports from the United States reached $149 million in July, the highest monthly amount since 1992. www.extranoticias.cl · tribunanoticias.mx · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
[● 4 SOURCES] The infant mortality rate in Cuba rose from 4 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025. ensegundos.do · tribunanoticias.mx · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · www.telepinar.cu
[● 5 SOURCES] The United States maintains that sanctions are necessary to pressure the Cuban government regarding economic and human rights. otvoreno.me · www.sadanews.ps · www.elbuentono.com.mx · srpskacafe.com
[DISPUTED] Sanctions are causing severe domestic issues including electricity shortages of only a few hours per day and food spoilage. otvoreno.me · www.elbalad.news · www.sadanews.ps · srpskacafe.com · www.elbuentono.com.mx
[● 14 SOURCES] Economic damage from the US trade embargo reached $8.1 billion in 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year. otvoreno.me · www.sadanews.ps · srpskacafe.com · www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.elbalad.news · +9 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The Trump administration imposed a blockade on oil and fuel supplies to Cuba in early 2026. otvoreno.me · srpskacafe.com · www.elbuentono.com.mx · www.elbalad.news · www.sadanews.ps