Cuba's sugar production has seen a significant decline, with factories producing only 350 thousand tons last season, a far cry from the 1.3 million tons in 2019 and the 8 million tons in 1989 when the country was the world's largest sugar exporter. The industry, which was once a major contributor to Cuba's economy, is on the verge of collapse with 29 factories already shut down and more facing closure due to fuel and supply shortages. The government's shift in focus towards tourism has led to a reduction in public investment in the sugar industry, exacerbating the problem. The situation is further complicated by the need for sugar imports to support the country's soft drink and pharmaceutical industries, and the production of rum.