U.S. - Cuba Food Trade Survives Political Hurdles

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Source: Reuters

Cuba expects to sign deals worth $150 million with American food producers at talks starting on Monday that point to sustained U.S. interest in the Cuban market despite political hurdles.

Uncertainty over the fate of ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro caused a "hiccup," trade consultant Kirby Jones said, but business has continued seamlessly under the caretaker government of his brother Raul Castro, and is picking up.

One U.S. farm state delegation after another has gone to Havana this year to pitch sales of wheat, corn, beans, peas, lentils, chicken and other products needed by communist Cuba to feed its people.

The governors of Nebraska and Idaho visited Havana and Delaware sent its first trade mission eyeing a new market. Last week, North Dakota won agreements to supply seed potatoes and red spring wheat. A delegation from Alabama arrived on Friday.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070527/pl_nm/cuba_usa_trade_dc

[Billy Burnett]

1. I think that Cuba is the only country the US has a trade surplus with.

Also, they have to pay cash. Up front.