USA Rice joins panel discussion on trade relations with Cuba

ARLINGTON, VA – Last week, the Alliance for Cuba Engagement and Respect (ACERE) hosted a virtual briefing titled, “U.S.-Cuba Cooperation on Food and Climate Security: Opportunities for Growth.” Among the five expert panelists was Asiha Grigsby, USA Rice senior director for international promotion for the Western Hemisphere, who provided valuable insights into U.S. rice industry perspectives on trade and collaboration with Cuba. Grigsby emphasized the significant challenges U.S. rice exporters face due to long-standing trade restrictions, which continue to limit the full potential of agricultural exchanges with Cuba. While the U.S. has a history of trade with the island, current policies still impose constraints on expanding exports. Despite these obstacles, progress has been made. In 2023, U.S. rice exports to Cuba’s private sector reached 1,125 metric tons—an impressive 500 percent increase from 2022. Data from January to July 2024 show 861 metric tons exported, putting U.S. ...