U.S. exports to Cuba have risen 61% this year to nearly $700 million, according to figures cited by El País, as Washington's pressure campaign cuts the island off from traditional suppliers while increasing its reliance on American fuel, food and consumer goods.
Economist Ricardo Torres, a former researcher at Cuba's Center for the Study of the Cuban Economy and now a professor at American University, estimated U.S. exports at just over $416.5 million last year. This year, shipments include $126.6 million in relief items, $118 million in frozen chicken, $117.1 million in petroleum products and $34.9 million in vehicles.
