Cuba puts the cost of the US embargo at $8.0833 billion over the past year

Cuba says the US embargo caused $8.0833 billion in damage between March 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, the highest annual figure it has recorded. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez presented the figure, which represents a 7 percent increase over the previous comparable period.

The report puts the embargo’s cumulative cost since its introduction at more than $178.7005 billion at current prices, up 4.7 percent during the latest period. Rodríguez said the figures include only the first month of the effects of the energy blockade decreed by the United States on January 29. “The damage in these months multiplies the damage caused during the period under review,” he said.

Rodríguez emphasized the consequences for Cubans, including impacts on healthcare and transportation. “The blockade does not punish a government. It punishes the daily life of a people,” he said.

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The damage in these months multiplies the damage caused during the period under review.

The figures appear in a report titled “The Need to End the Economic, Commercial and Financial Blockade Imposed by the United States of America.” Havana plans to attach it to the annual resolution it presents to the United Nations calling for the sanctions to be lifted. The presentation comes amid heightened tensions with Washington, including threats by President Donald Trump to take action against the island and the possibility of military intervention not being ruled out.

Cuba also points to tighter sanctions against officials, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and against foreign companies doing business on the island. The article cites the departure of Spanish hotel groups such as Meliá and Iberostar and difficulties for shipping companies importing goods. It says the economic crisis has worsened, with some blackouts lasting more than 24 hours and some areas going days without power.

The article also notes Cuba’s internal economic problems, including six years of severe crisis, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and errors in monetary and economic policy. In July, Cuba sought a special UN debate on recent US measures. The request received 136 votes in favor, nine against and 30 abstentions. The next annual vote is scheduled for October 28, although such General Assembly resolutions are not binding.

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The blockade does not punish a government. It punishes the daily life of a people.