The U.S. wheat industry is urging Congress and the Obama administration to immediately ease trade and travel restrictions with Cuba to allow U.S. wheat growers to compete fully in this market, according to U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).
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Cuba represents substantial potential for future sales of U.S. wheat with a population of more than 11 million that consumes close to 1 million metric tons (MMT) of wheat per year. Cuba is the largest importer of wheat and wheat products in the Caribbean.
Though proximity and historical ties should provide a competitive advantage for U.S. wheat, the U.S. holds a less than 50 percent market share in Cuba, compared to a more than 85 percent market share in other Caribbean areas.
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The U.S. wheat industry believes that the best way to help U.S. wheat growers fully realize sales potential in Cuba is to overturn the February 2005 change to financing requirements and to lift travel restrictions to allow for the freedom of reciprocal travel between the U.S. and Cuba for all citizens.
If you read the story you'll see that Cuba already buys wheat from other countries. It is the farmers in these other countries who would suffer the lost sales.
9. I'm talking about the OP, not wringing hands over a country with rich agricultural heritage
They do pretty well growing sugar, tobacco, and fruit already. They get farming implements from everyone but us. The OP was about selling them American wheat, that's all.
10. I apologize for being short. I agree that Cuba does a great job
with what they have, I am always a little leary when we want into foriegn markets. I would much rather see all countries supply them self food to the best of their ability.
Presumably that's so that the USA can create the same dire consquences for Cuba with wheat as they do for Haiti with rice which due to subsidies to US farmers sells at half the ecomonic price of locally grown rice there.
Just another instance of how the US just can't wait to strip Cuba blind.
edit - just noticed thread #3 in which case it will adversly affect their current suppliers.
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