Despite the Obama Administration lifting restrictions last week on Cuba and a quest to normalize relations with the nation, House Speaker Paul Ryan says the embargo against Cuba will continue. The Wisconsin Republican blasted the Obama administration’s latest round of regulatory changes meant to chip away at the U.S. embargo against Cuba and ease trade and travel with the island nation. The Miami Herald reports the strong rhetoric by Ryan on Cuba appears to be increasing. The embargo withholds financing for U.S. commodity shipments to Cuba as the transaction and shipment of U.S. commodities currently can only take place with third party financing. Ryan says allowing normal financing would only finance “the Castros’ grip on power” and jeopardize property rights of American businesses. The announcement last week does allow financing for farm inputs, such as crop protection products and machinery. The administration also removed a shipping barrier, keeping U.S. ships traveling directly to Cuba from returning for 180 days.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.
