Chicken meat imports from the United States to Cuba decreased by 11% during the first eleven months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
According to data from economist Pedro Monreal, 232.570 tons were imported between January and November, compared to 262.512 tons in 2023.
The value of these imports also suffered a slight decline, falling from $288 million in 2023 to $285 million in 2024.
Possible reasons for the drop in imports
Among the most prominent theories to explain this decline is the mass exodus of Cubans in recent years, which has reduced the island's population.
According to the National Office of Statistics and Information, Cuba's population in 2024 was estimated at less than 10 million people, a significant drop compared to the 11.100.000 million inhabitants recorded in 2021.
However, the population decline does not fully explain the decrease in imports, as they fell faster than the number of residents.
The impact on the diet of Cubans
Chicken remains the main source of animal protein in Cuba, offsetting the agricultural crisis affecting national production.
However, the growing presence of imported pork, primarily from the United States, has begun to diversify the market. Products such as pork loin and chops, although more expensive, offer superior quality and have gained popularity among consumers.
The price of chicken, controlled by the government at 680 CUP per kilo, contrasts with that of pork, which varies depending on the cut. For example, pork loin is sold in SMEs for approximately 1.100 CUP per pound, but its quality and presentation make it attractive to many Cubans.
The import trend and its challenges
In November 2024, US chicken imports fell 10% in volume and 9,55% in value compared to October, reaching 21.000 tons worth $27,8 million.
This behavior follows the trend of previous years, marked by monthly fluctuations.
Despite the increased availability of pork, the structural problems of Cuba's food crisis persist.
Chicken remains the only meat available in state warehouses, and the decline in its imports highlights the fragility of the island's protein supply.
According to Monreal, these figures reflect a "food insecurity situation" that the government has failed to resolve.
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3 comments
Good morning, how horrified I am! I share the feelings of these families and friends. AMEN
The problem is that the brainiacs who invented that we retirees have 1528.00 left over and can live with the exploitation and hunger that we suffer, did not realize that with the increase in salaries everything was going to increase and today it is still the same, in all the meetings the same thing is said, attention to vulnerable people, they came in on the 25th and the same blah blah continues, until when I give you an example, collect your pension on December 26th it is January 14th, can you live like this, who cares?cupOh, they haven't said anything about the basket from December until now.
We know there's a blockade and we've had a very difficult year, but I think we retirees should improve the pensions we received after so many years of sacrificed work and retiring with the old pension and now with no increase and having to work because inflation is high in all products, both agricultural and in the Mipimis. Until when will we be able to improve?