International Freight Shipping to Cuba

Choose the Best Freight Forwarder to Transport Your Goods to Cuba Safely and on Time

Exporting goods to Cuba, whether it is for the first time or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are several key elements to consider when shipping to a country like Cuba.

Suppose you are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market. In that case, you should consider a cargo shipping company that is familiar with the business culture, language, and customs regulations, and has a proven track record of success in freight shipping to Cuba.

For over 25 years, LAC has supported North American businesses with expert freight forwarding solutions to Cuba. Our experience and strong carrier network allow us to offer a full range of reliable, cost-effective shipping services.

With LAC, your cargo reaches Colombia safely, on time, and with complete peace of mind.

Doing Business in Cuba: What to Expect

When shipping to Cuba, it’s important to understand that business practices and regulations differ significantly from those in the US or Canada. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Relationship-Driven Culture: Cubans prioritize personal connections in business. Building rapport and trust is crucial for successful interactions.
• Bureaucracy & Patience: While eager to engage with foreign businesses, Cuba operates under a strict bureaucratic system. Patience is key when navigating official processes.
• Punctuality and Flexibility: While Cubans value punctuality in business, they also embrace flexibility and spontaneity.
• Language Considerations: While many professionals speak English, Spanish is the primary language. Consider having translation services available when necessary.

These insights can help you navigate the unique business landscape in Cuba and ensure smoother shipping experiences.

Quick Facts About Cuba (2024 Update)

• Capital: Havana
• Other Large Cities: Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Holguín, Santa Clara, Guantánamo
• Population: ~9.75 million (2024 estimate). A sharp decline from over 11 million in 2020, due to sustained emigration and low birth rates. The urban population is ~78.4%.
• Official languages: Spanish
• Time Zone: GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time year-round; Cuba does not currently observe daylight saving time)
• Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP). The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) was removed from circulation in January 2021; only CUP is now used officially. However, Cuba has a partially dollarized economy with segments—like tourism and select private/foreign trade—accepting foreign currencies such as the US Dollar and Euro.

Economic Snapshot

• GDP: Approximately $7 508 USD expected in 2025, down from ~ $8 125 in 2022.
• GDP Growth: The economy contracted ~1.9% in 2023, and shrank another ~1.1% in 2024. A tentative 1% growth is forecast for 2025.
• Inflation Rate: Eased from historical highs to ~16.4% in May 2025 — down from 24% in early 2025.
• Unemployment Rate: Official data is limited, but estimates suggest an increase in unemployment due to the economic downturn
• Trade & Debt: Imports have increased while exports declined, deepening debt — last officially stated at ~$19.7 billion in 2020.
• FDI Inward Flow: Remains highly restricted; net FDI inflows minimal—less than 0.2% of GDP in recent years.
• Ease of Doing Business Score: Not available due to the unique economic system and lack of data

Why Doing Business with Cuba is a Smart Choice for North American Businesses?

Cuba presents a unique and exciting opportunity for North American businesses seeking to expand their reach. Despite its unique challenges, the island nation offers a wealth of potential benefits. Cuba boasts a well-educated population and a growing consumer base, offering a largely untapped market for North American goods and services. Its strategic location at the crossroads of the Caribbean and the Americas makes it an ideal gateway for businesses looking to expand their regional footprint.

Additionally, venturing into the Cuban market allows for diversification, reducing dependence on established markets. The Cuban government actively encourages foreign investment in specific sectors, providing a supportive environment for new ventures. By partnering with an experienced logistics provider like Latin American Cargo, you can navigate the complexities of Cuban trade regulations and capitalize on the promising opportunities this market presents.

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Cuba Trade Overview (Updated to 2025)

MAIN IMPORTS:

• Food and Agricultural Products: Includes wheat, corn, poultry, dairy, and packaged foods; the majority of staple foods are imported due to domestic production shortfalls.
• Fuel and Petroleum Products: Mineral fuels and lubricants remain critical imports to meet Cuba’s energy needs.
• Machinery and Transport Equipment: Machinery, technology, and vehicles, essential for agriculture, industry, and transportation.
• Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals: Chemicals for industry and medicine are significant due to limited local production

MAIN EXPORTS:

• Pharmaceuticals and Medicaments: A leading export sector, with notable biotech achievements and international partnerships.
• Nickel: Nickel ore remains a vital export, mainly for industrial clients overseas.
• Raw Sugar and Derivatives: Sugarcane and its by-products continue to be historically and economically important.
• Tobacco (Cigars): Globally renowned Cuban cigars represent a key luxury export good.
• Seafood and Agricultural Products: Seafood, citrus fruits, and coffee have niche but relevant export markets.

INDUSTRIES WITH STRONG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:

• Tourism and Hospitality: Major driver of hard-currency earnings, with investment potential in resorts, eco-tourism, and cultural tourism.
• Renewable Energy: Initiatives in solar, wind, and bioenergy are actively encouraged as Cuba strives for energy independence and sustainability.
• Agriculture and Organoponics: Investments in organic farming, innovative agricultural techniques, and food processing can address domestic demand and export opportunities.
• Biotechnology and Healthcare: Cuba’s strong biotech research sector offers potential for joint ventures and export-led growth in pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
• Tech, Communications, and E-commerce: The expansion of internet access, digital marketing, and mobile apps presents new business frontiers.

PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS:

• China: Largest source of imports (machinery, electronics, food) and a major export market (nickel, tobacco).
• Spain: Key partner for both imports (foods, consumer goods) and exports (tobacco, seafood).
• Brazil: Significant in agricultural imports, especially grains and meat.
• Mexico: Trade in foods, packaging, and tobacco products; growing importance in recent years.
• Canada: Longstanding export markets for nickel, pharmaceuticals, and seafood.
• Russia: Involvement in energy imports and agricultural machinery.
• United States: Despite the embargo, a leading supplier of agricultural products under exceptions, such as grains and poultry.
• Netherlands: Important transshipment point for Cuban exports, particularly seafood and agricultural goods

What Makes LAC Your Ideal Logistics Partner?

Navigating the complexities of international trade, especially to a unique market like Cuba, requires a logistics partner who understands the specific challenges involved. Cuba has distinct laws, regulations, customs procedures, and cultural nuances that can impact your shipping experience. To successfully enter the Cuban market, you need a partner who not only understands the logistics but also the cultural and business landscape.

Our team of experts at Latin American Cargo offers superior freight forwarding services and competitive rates for your cargo shipping to Cuba. Our combined experience, extensive knowledge, logistics skills, and local connections will ensure a smooth process and guarantee that your goods are transported quickly, safely, and worry-free, even amidst Cuba’s unique trade environment.

We prioritize your company’s success. If you’re aiming for a successful venture in Cuba, Latin American Cargo is your ideal freight forwarding partner.

Import and Customs Specifics When Shipping to Cuba

First-time shippers to Cuba face a complex regulatory landscape with strict guidelines, prohibitions, and restrictions. Success depends on understanding both formal Cuban laws and informal practices that govern maritime and air cargo operations. Proper preparation helps avoid costly delays and complications during the customs clearance process.

Essential Documentation for Shipments to Cuba

Every international shipment to Cuba requires comprehensive documentation to clear customs successfully. The core documents include:

• Commercial invoice
• Bill of lading (for sea freight) or air waybill (for air freight)
• Detailed packing list
• Insurance certificate
• Certificate of origin (when applicable)

The packing list deserves special attention—it must contain precise descriptions of all items, avoiding vague or generic terms that trigger customs delays. Cuban authorities conduct thorough inspections to assess duties and tariffs based on both shipment value and documentation quality. Incomplete or unclear paperwork often results in customs officials assigning their valuations, which typically exceed declared values.

Complete recipient information is non-negotiable. This includes accurate addresses, email contacts, and phone numbers to ensure successful delivery. Certain product categories require additional certifications—for example, food products need health certificates, while other goods may require specific permits based on their nature.

Working with experienced freight forwarders who understand Cuban customs procedures can significantly streamline the process and help navigate the regulatory complexities.

Prohibited Items and Trade Restrictions

Cuba maintains strict import controls with clear prohibitions on numerous product categories. Banned items include:

• Animal products
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Gambling equipment
• Perishable foods
• Precious metals
• Currency or valuables (coins, banknotes, jewelry)

Shipments originating from the United States, Canada, and Mexico face additional layers of complexity due to embargo and sanctions laws. These restrictions often limit or completely prohibit certain types of trade, making compliance verification essential before shipping.

The customs duty calculation process is straightforward in principle—duties are assessed on total shipment value—but can become complicated when documentation is incomplete or unclear. In such cases, Cuban customs authorities may impose their valuation, which invariably results in higher fees than originally declared.

Sanctions and embargo considerations add another compliance layer, particularly for U.S.-related shipments. Certain Cuban entities and specific goods remain restricted for trade, requiring thorough compliance checks to avoid legal complications.

LAC simplifies shipping to Cuba. Our extensive experience navigating these complexities has equipped us with a deep understanding of Cuban customs procedures.

Main Ocean Ports and Cargo Airports of Cuba (2025)

Cuba’s Main Ocean Ports

Cuba’s Main Air Cargo Ports