Cuba is emerging as a rapidly growing market for U.S. pork exports, with new statistics showcasing a dramatic surge in demand. According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), U.S. pork exports to Cuba reached 5,843 metric tons through September 2024, marking an astonishing 322% increase compared to the previous year. The value of these exports rose to $17.2 million, a 236% year-over-year jump.
The Cuban market is not limited to pork alone. Beef exports, primarily canned products, totaled $5.4 million during the same period, reflecting an extraordinary increase of over 1,500%. These numbers highlight the growing opportunities for U.S. meat suppliers in Cuba’s evolving marketplace.
Paul Johnson, a partner at the FocusCuba consulting firm, shared insights during a recent USMEF seminar, emphasizing the reasons behind this upward trend. “Pork production in Cuba is down about 90%, and the new private sector in Cuba has the resources to meet the demands of both Cuban consumers and the tourism industry,” Johnson explained. “What’s exciting is that we are no longer restricted to selling to just one company in Cuba. Now, there are thousands of buyers with the resources to purchase U.S. pork.”
As Cuba’s private sector continues to develop and tourism rebounds, experts believe the demand for U.S. pork will only grow. This shift presents significant opportunities for U.S. producers looking to expand their international reach.
