The Cuban government acknowledged that it is “shameful” for the island, traditionally one of the leading sugar producers in Latin America, to be forced to import this product.
Despite efforts to revive the sugar industry, the sector continues to face serious challenges, including failures in the last harvest.
During the session of the National Assembly of People’s Power, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz recalled when Raúl Castro remarked that “it would be an embarrassment to have to import sugar.” He then stated, “and well, we are experiencing that embarrassment because we are importing sugar.”
He emphasized that the crisis in the sector is such that the country has also stopped exporting sugar, which was a key component of the economy.
Over the years, the crisis in the industry has been severe. During the last harvest season, the failures were evident, resulting in a drop in production that has impacted both the domestic market and exports, a sector that was previously one of the main sources of income for the country. As a consequence, Cuba has ceased exporting sugar and is facing challenges in supplying this essential product in the local market.
The government has emphasized the need for an “internal resizing” of the sugar sector, a process that includes modernizing machinery, enhancing worker care, and making adjustments to the production structure. However, the measures implemented so far have not been sufficient to reverse the crisis.
In this context, the shortage of sugar has driven prices up in the domestic market. Currently, a pound of sugar in Cuba is sold for 600 pesos, which is a high price in a country where salaries do not suffice to meet basic needs.
The situation reflects an alarming regression of an industry that, in its golden age, positioned Cuba among the leading exporters of sugar worldwide. With only 15 sugar mills operating in the current harvest, the sugar industry faces an uncertain outlook, and citizens continue to bear the consequences of the crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sugar Crisis in Cuba
Why does Cuba, a major sugar producer, now have to import it?
The sugar industry in Cuba has faced a prolonged crisis due to historical issues such as poor machinery maintenance, fuel shortages, and adverse weather conditions. Despite government efforts to revitalize the sector, production has declined drastically, forcing the country to import sugar to meet domestic demand.
How has the shortage of sugar affected the economy and daily life in Cuba?
The scarcity of sugar has led to a significant increase in prices, reaching as much as 600 pesos per pound in the domestic market. This situation has severely impacted family economies, as sugar is a staple product in every Cuban household. Furthermore, the lack of sugar has forced citizens to seek alternatives to sweeten their food, often opting for less healthy options.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the sugar crisis?
The Cuban government has proposed an “internal resizing” of the sector, which includes modernizing equipment, enhancing worker support, and making adjustments to the production structure. However, these measures have not been sufficient to halt the crisis, and the government has acknowledged that the recovery of the industry will rely on significant structural changes.
What is the impact of the high price of sugar on the informal market in Cuba?
The high price of sugar in the informal market, which exceeds 500 pesos per pound, has made this essential product unaffordable for many Cuban families. This reflects the severity of the economic crisis in Cuba, where inflation and the scarcity of basic goods have impacted the purchasing power of the population.
