Full Breakdown
Cuba Says U.S. Embargo Caused Record $8 Billion Economic Loss Amid Intensified Sanctions
9/8/2026, 6:19:12 AM
Record Embargo Losses Reported by Cuba
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez presented a government report on September 7 stating that the U.S. embargo cost the island “over US$8 billion” between March 1 2025 and February 28 2026. The figure is 7 % higher than the previous reporting period and does not include damage from the “energy blockade” imposed in January 2026 or secondary sanctions added in May 2026.
Background of U.S. Measures Since 1962
The United States has maintained a trade embargo against Cuba since 1962. Under President Donald Trump, pressure intensified in early 2026 with an executive order signed on January 29 2026 that established a fuel blockade, restricting the import of hydrocarbons needed for power generation. Additional sanctions targeted Cuban state-linked entities, including a state bank, nickel-mining firms, and the Oil Industry Supply Import Company (Abapet).
Economic Impact Figures
- $8.083 billion in direct losses for the March-2025-to-February-2026 period (Cuban government).
- Cumulative impact of the blockade now estimated at $178.7 billion at current value, a 4.7 % rise from the prior report (Cuban government).
- Infant mortality rose from 4 per 1,000 births in 2018 to 9.9 per 1,000 in 2025 (Cuban government).
Diplomatic Stalemate and UN Action
Rodríguez said Havana is not currently negotiating with Washington and sees “no agenda for future talks.” He announced that the UN General Assembly will consider Cuba’s annual resolution calling for an end to the embargo on October 27-28. Cuba expects “overwhelming support” despite alleged U.S. intimidation of other member states.
Health and Humanitarian Concerns
The U.S. Embassy in Havana issued a health alert on September 4, warning of a spike in intestinal illnesses and diarrhea linked to deteriorating water and electricity supplies. United Nations-appointed human-rights experts have described the fuel blockade as a violation of international law and warned of a growing risk of disease outbreaks.
Official Statements & Responses
- U.S. officials: Washington attributes Cuba’s hardships to “poor internal management” rather than the sanctions themselves.
Criticism & Opposition
Sanctions analyst Brett Erickson, managing principal at Obsidian Risk Advisors, said the U.S. He warned that Cuba’s attempts to procure maintenance parts will become costlier, potentially raising inflation and further harming the economy.
Timeline
- March 1 2025 – Start of the period assessed for economic damage.
- January 29 2026 – Executive Order establishing the fuel blockade (signed by Donald Trump).
- May 2026 – Implementation of secondary sanctions on Cuban entities.
- September 4 2026 – U.S. Embassy health alert issued.
- September 7 2026 – Cuban government presents the $8 billion loss report.
- October 27-28 2026 – UN General Assembly scheduled to vote on Cuba’s resolution to end the embargo.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The blockade does not punish a government; it punishes the daily life of a people in all its aspects,” — Bruno Rodriguez, cuba’s foreign minister
- “These are long months of living with only two or three hours of electricity per day or less,” — Bruno Rodríguez, foreign minister
