Archive · 8 Sep 2026
US Embargo Drives Cuba’s Record $8 Billion Economic Losses
Cuba says the United States’ long-running trade embargo caused more than $8 billion in economic losses during the latest reported year.
The Cuban government says this was a record amount and higher than the previous year.
It also says the embargo has made it harder to obtain fuel, power-plant parts, solar equipment and batteries.
Because of fuel shortages, many people reportedly have electricity for only a few hours a day.
Power cuts have affected water systems, hospitals and ambulances.
Cuban officials said some surgeons had to work using rechargeable lamps or cellphones.
They also said transportation and schools have been disrupted.
Cuba reported that infant mortality rose from 4 per 1,000 births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025.
The Cuban government says it will continue economic and social reforms while prioritizing people’s needs.
Cuba says the US trade embargo caused $8.083 billion in losses from March 2025 to February 2026.
The reported loss was 7 per cent higher than the previous year’s figure, while cumulative damage surpassed $178.7 billion.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said fuel restrictions worsened an energy crisis and contributed to prolonged power outages.
Power and fuel shortages disrupted water supplies, hospitals, ambulances, transportation and education.
Cuba’s government linked rising infant mortality to resource shortages and difficulties delivering public health care.
- Who
- The Cuban government and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez made the claims about the embargo’s effects.
- What
- Cuba reported $8.083 billion in economic losses attributed to the US trade embargo.
- When
- The reported losses cover March 2025 through February 2026; cumulative figures were compared with the previous period.
- Where
- Cuba.
- Why
- According to Cuban officials, stepped-up US sanctions, including restrictions affecting fuel supplies and access to equipment, worsened shortages and disrupted daily life.
- Reported annual loss
- $8.083 billion from March 2025 to February 2026
- Change from previous year
- 7 per cent increase
- Cumulative damage
- More than $178.7 billion at current prices
- Embargo duration
- More than six decades
- Electricity impact
- Some people reportedly receive only two or three hours of electricity daily, or less
- Infant mortality
- Rose from 4 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025
- Reported fuel impact
- A 100,000-metric-ton crude-oil shipment could reduce power outages for about two weeks, according to Rodriguez