Decline in Cuban Purchases from the US
HAVANA TIMES — Cuban purchases of US goods have decreased, according to an analysis by John Kavulich, a senior policy adviser to the New York-based US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, reports AP.
The value of exports to the island last year fell by just over half, to $358 million, while in the first six months of 2012 these were at $250 million. In addition, there are no signs of change in this trend, the news agency added.
According to Kavulich “the absence of direct payment terms, the inability to use more efficient transportation systems between the two countries and the lack of political benefit” have caused the Cuban government look to countries like China, Brazil, Vietnam and Venezuela.
The food purchases take place under an exemption in the US embargo against Cuba, in place for over 50 years.
Why does Cuba purchase anything from a country that maintains an economic and political war/embargo against her? I can’t see the logic!