During 2015 and 2016, the government of the then President of the United States, Barack Obama, put in place some measures aimed at modifying the application of certain elements of the blockade to Cuba, which had as a scene the reestablishment of the diplomatic relations between both countries.
However, significant obstacles to its implementation have persisted and key aspects of the blockade have been maintained, as well as the laws on which this policy is based.
There is still a continuing ban on US citizens traveling freely to Cuba. The sale to Cuba of US products and services other than those stipulated exclusively for the use of the non-state sector of the economy is prohibited.
The authorization to import Cuban goods and services to the United States is also limited to those produced by the non-state sector, except for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, and excludes Cuban goods and services of recognized prestige such as tobacco, rum, nickel and medical and educational services.
Although the use of the dollar was authorized in the financial sphere in Cuba's international transactions, in practice it has not been possible to carry out significant transactions in that currency, since there is a persistent fear of financial institutions and of the US suppliers themselves with Cuba, due to the risk represented by a country subject to a sanctions regime.
Another important limitation is the prohibition of Cuban financial institutions from opening correspondent accounts in US banks, a restriction that prevents the establishment of direct banking relations between the two countries and increases the number of existing commercial transactions.
The blockade of the United States against Cuba must cease immediately and unconditionally. That is what the international community demands, in accordance with the UN Charter and International Law.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the UN