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American meat exports to the Cuban market increase

After years of struggling to gain a foothold in the Cuban market, U.S. red meat exports are finally gaining ground thanks in part to private sector purchases, according to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Posted on Dec 03 ,00:25

USMEF recently held an educational seminar in Miami for Cuban buyers and U.S. companies interested in taking advantage of this opportunity.

"There is excitement about the market", said Elizabeth Wunderlich, USMEF representative in the Caribbean. “Our members took advantage of the opportunity to meet all these buyers. They made the effort to come and learn how to do business in Cuba. And we brought in an expert who has been working with exports, but also with our government, so he understands how to navigate all the regulations.”

The expert Wunderlich is referring to is Paul Johnson of Focus Cuba, a consulting firm that specializes in helping U.S. companies interested in doing business in the Cuban market.

According to Johnson, Cuban buyers are especially interested in American pork.

"Pork sales are up about 400% compared to the same period last year", Johnson said. "It’s a relatively small number, obviously, but I expect it to increase based on two things. First, pork production in Cuba is down about 90%, and this new private sector in Cuba has the resources to meet those needs for Cuban consumers and tourism. I think it will take time, but what I’m excited about is that there are buyers who have the resources. We don’t have to sell to just one company in Cuba anymore; we can sell to thousands".

In September, U.S. pork exports to Cuba totaled 5,843 tons, up 322% from the same period last year, valued at $17.2 million (up 236%). For beef, Cuba is currently receiving mostly canned product, but shipments have increased substantially. Exports from January through September were up more than 1,500% from a year ago, reaching 3,234 tons, valued at $5.4 million (up 519%). For U.S. lamb entering Cuba, 387 tons of assorted meat exports were reported through September, valued at $1.5 million.

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