The impact of the U.S. blockade on Cuba’s domestic trade was analyzed on October 19, by directors and employees of the Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) in order to contribute to the report set to be presented by the island before the United Nations General Assembly, denouncing this unjust policy.
According to Odalys Escandel García, Mincin first deputy minister, the sector is affected by trade restrictions with the U.S., causing losses to the shpere given the need to source supplies from distant markets; increasing shipping, intermediary, and storage costs, among others.
In 2015, losses incurred in the food sector, specifically in regard to grains, exceeded 22.7 million USD, reported Bárbara Mesa León, commercial director of the Group of entities responsible for wholesale foods and other edible goods.
Participants also reported on the blockade’s impact on quantities and delivery schedules for orthopedic footwear and accessories, as well as the lack of available financing and nearby markets to purchase, furniture and technologies, reducing the efficiency of both the country’s wholesale and retail market.
