Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has stated that US sanctions are impeding Cuba's economic reform efforts, even as the country implements new policies to open its economy. The United States has demanded that Cuba foster private investment, and Cuba has responded with sweeping reforms to encourage this, including allowing Cubans abroad to invest in private businesses and easing bureaucratic restrictions on private businesses. However, Washington has continued to impose sanctions, with new penalties announced every couple of weeks, targeting industries such as state-owned mining, metal, and construction companies.
The Cuban government reports that the US embargo caused a record $8.08 billion in economic losses between March 2025 and February 2026, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. The accumulated cost since the embargo began has surpassed $178.7 billion at current prices. Rodríguez highlighted that these estimates are conservative, as they only include the initial impact of energy restrictions imposed in January. He also emphasized what Havana refers to as an "energy blockade," which prevents fuel imports and oil tankers from reaching the island.
These sanctions and the energy blockade are severely impacting daily life in Cuba. The government attributes widespread power outages, some lasting over 20 hours a day, and disruptions to water supplies and public transportation, to these restrictions. The healthcare system is particularly affected, with hospitals struggling to operate essential equipment and services due to electricity and fuel shortages. Surgical waiting lists have exceeded 100,000 patients, and there are difficulties in securing medicines and medical supplies, which Rodríguez linked to an increase in infant mortality from 4 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025.
Rodríguez argues that the embargo remains the primary obstacle to Cuba's development, hindering essential public services, infrastructure, and social programs. He estimates that without the embargo, Cuba's gross domestic product at current prices would have been 10.8% higher in 2025. The US State Department, in response to comments about the sanctions, indicated that new measures would continue to be announced to close off "escape valves" that Cuba might attempt to create.
