1. Cuba The Past, Present, and Future of the Trade Embargo

2. 1856 1959 Cuba produces 25% of worlds sugar. Fidel Castro over throws Batista. U.S. intervenes in Cuba Economic crisis U.S. controls over 75% of Cuban industries, railroads, and utilities. Sugar prices collapse

4. Socialist realignment cost over $1 Billion in the first year.

5. Turned to the Soviet Union for economic help.

7. Sprang from fear of the close proximity of communist interests to the United States.

8. The collapse of the Soviet Union plunged Cuba in to economic disparity.

9. Sanctions on Cuba increased for almost 50 years regardless of political party. Including: after an incident in 1998 under President Clinton and in 2004 under President Bush.

11. Goods or services of Cuban origin may not be imported into the U.S. directly or through third party countries such as Canada or Mexico.

12. A total freeze on Cuban assets, both governmental and private, and on financial dealings with the Cuba.

13. Gifts from the U.S. citizens to immediate family in Cuba must not exceed a value of $200.00 and be sent no more than once a month.

15. GDP ($51.1 billion)

16. 3:1 import to export trade disparity

19. Est. Unemployment rate 2008: 1.8%

21. Castro is still a main political figure after 50 years, even though Raul Castro is now President.

22. Many interest groups such as the U.S. Rice Federation support lifting the embargo. Cuba would become 2nd largest importer of U.S. rice.

23. Over 95% of U.N. member nations vote annually for the U.S. to lift the embargo on Cuba

24. Raul Castro has been calling for a meeting with U.S. on “neutral ground”

26. The international community supports lifting the embargo

27. Many U.S. interests support lifting the embargo.

28. Economist predict that in the next 10 years, the Cuban embargo will be lifted and free trade policies will be again embraced.

29. Questions?