What the New U.S. Measures Mean for Import, Export and Investment in Cuba

What changed

In practice, a Cuban private company can still purchase permitted products from suppliers in China, Europe, Mexico or other markets, import them into Cuba and sell them commercially in Cuba, provided Cuban licensing, customs, tax and commercial requirements are satisfied. At the same time, Cuba is expanding opportunities for eligible private companies to participate more directly in import and export activities.

Who it affects

Cuban private importers and exporters · Foreign suppliers · Foreign investors · Entrepreneurs planning commercial activities in Cuba

What it means in practice

The principal additional challenge created by the U.S. measures is financial: USD payments touching the U.S. banking system may become difficult or impossible depending on the transaction; foreign banks may apply stricter Cuba compliance policies; transactions involving restricted Cuban entities require particular attention; and financing and international payment arrangements may become more difficult or expensive.

CPS note

For investors, the key question is increasingly not simply “Can this business import?” but also “How will it legally pay suppliers, receive money, clear customs and operate without using restricted counterparties?” A transaction permitted under Cuban law is not automatically permitted under U.S. sanctions regulations, and a Cuban private company authorized to conduct an activity in Cuba does not automatically make every international bank, payment provider, supplier or U.S.-linked party able to participate.

Last verified: 6 October 2026