Cuba's Economic Challenges: Dolarization and Food Dependence on the U.S.

Cuba's economy is facing significant challenges due to partial dolarization and increasing food dependence on the U.S. Recent measures on dolarization, as reported by OnCuba News, have expanded the policy initiated in 2019, introducing real currency accounts for businesses that allow transactions in foreign currency.

However, questions remain about their sustainability and the potential for losing convertibility, as seen with previous currency systems. In the agricultural sector, Havana Times highlights that Cuba imported $355 million worth of agricultural products from the U.S. in 2025, marking a 15% increase from the previous year.

This includes substantial imports of pork, sugar, and coffee, with pork alone accounting for $33.6 million. This rise in imports comes amid a domestic agricultural crisis, where production has significantly declined, forcing Cuba to rely on foreign markets for essential food items.

Meanwhile, Cuba's labor market is shifting, with many young professionals leaving state jobs for the private sector due to inadequate salaries. CubaNet reports that medical professionals are taking jobs as waiters because they can earn more in tips than in government positions.

This reflects a broader trend where the value of education is diminished in comparison to survival, contributing to a societal inversion where basic needs override professional aspirations. The economic landscape in Cuba remains precarious, with increasing social and economic disparities due to the complexities of dolarization and food dependence on foreign markets.