The nonpartisan U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council says the first shipment of U.S. rice to Cuba in eight years apparently passed unnoticed in the ongoing debate over trade with the island nation. Based in New York, the council, which produces monthly reports on commerce involving the countries, says the cargo was worth $252,000 and sailed from the Houston area.
A 2000 law exempted food and agricultural exports from the overall U.S. trade ban on Cuba but requires payment in cash upon delivery. U.S. farm groups have argued for a change in law to allow private financing of ag exports to Cuba. The U.S. Cuba Trade and Economic Council said some $5.3 billion in food and agricultural goods have been sold under the terms of the 2000 law.
According to the council, U.S. ag exports to Cuba totaled $232 million in 2016, up sharply from $170.6 million in 2015. Frozen chicken meat accounted for 41 percent of sales in 2016, corn 16 percent and soymeal 15 percent.