Imports of fresh produce reached $3.3 million in May, while fuel sales approached $24 million.
14ymedio, Madrid, July 31, 2026 / The United States took advantage of the halt in egg sales from the Dominican Republic, which in 2015 had been the main supplier of the product to the island and just a few days ago announced it was resuming shipments after months of suspension. Fresh eggs have become the second most exported food item from the United States to Cuba after chicken in all its varieties, and not only that, the value of the sales has multiplied.
Last May, food export data for March published by the Consejo Económico y Comercial EE UU-Cuba (US-Cuba Trade Council) showed, for the first time, a significant jump in the rankings for eggs, where they had not previously appeared. That month, the value of egg sales was just over $527,000, a not insignificant amount, but one that was shattered in April. Then, the total reached $1,682,915.
The publication of May’s figures this Thursday reveals enormous growth, as spending on eggs from the island reached $3,319,184, nearly double the previous month. This refers only to fresh eggs, since fertilized eggs—for incubation—also arrive in Cuba from the neighboring country. Their in May alone was $1,469,677, pushing the product into the top ranks of the table, specifically eighth place—a very high position considering that the top three spots are occupied by chicken products.
The vehicle sector received its first authorization in 2022, during Joe Biden’s administration, and has continued to grow under the Trump administration.
Chicken meat remains the undisputed leader, however, among imports from the United States. The three types of frozen chicken cuts purchased by the Island—breasts, leg quarters, and wings—account for 47.1% of all sales from the neighboring country, with a value of more than $19.8 million.
Overall, sales in May totaled $42.2 million, well above those recorded during the same month in previous years. In May 2025 they reached $37.24 million, and in 2024 they totaled $34.6 million. However, the overall balance for the year is negative. Between January and May, the Island imported products worth $189 million, compared with $204.9 million during the same period the previous year, a decline of 7.7%.
In addition to food products and other health and hygiene items exempt from the embargo through a license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the report includes the value of vehicle exports. This sector received its first authorization in 2022, during the Biden Administration, and has continued to grow under the Trump Administration, which has not objected to vehicle sales to the Island.
The list also includes other notable figures, such as the $285,656 spent on importing solar panels.
In May, the value of sales of vehicles, parts, motorcycles, and bicycles totaled $15.7 million, which was nevertheless much lower than the previous month, when they reached $46.6 million. One particularly surprising item in this category was the sale to Cuba of a motorhome valued at $14,360. Since the exemption for this sector was approved, the value of sales has exceeded $485 million.
Also appearing on the list are other striking figures, such as the $285,656 spent on importing solar panels and $15,579 for cane sugar.
These figures are in addition to those published in another report covering hydrocarbons, which the United States has allowed to be sold to Cuba’s private sector since February. The value of fuel and oil exports in May was $23.9 million, nearly double the $12.4 million recorded in April. However, this increase does not necessarily reflect a higher volume of shipments but rather the rising cost of refined petroleum products at U.S. refineries.
Translated by Regina Anavy
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