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Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Cuban Officials and Importers Visit US for US Grains Council Event

A trade delegation from Cuba is visiting the United States this week to see the advantages of purchasing U.S. coarse grains and co-products. The delegation includes grain importers and officials from Cuba, which has purchased corn from the U.S. since the early 2000’s. Recent sales to Cuba and other parts of the region have been stymied by competition from other sources and the trade embargo. If Cuba had been able to purchase all its corn from the United States, it would be the tenth largest overseas market for the product. The Grains Council is continuing how to assess Cuba’s needs as its economy shifts and restrictions begin to fall. The goal of the face-to-face interactions is to highlight the U.S. as a reliable long-term supplier Cuba needs, and establish a strong foundation for future dealings. The Obama Administration announced in 2014 they would seek to dismantle the 50-year old embargo with Cuba. Since then, the U.S. Grains Council has been studying the Cuba market and seeking ways to mitigate barriers to grain sales there.