American activist Manolo de los Santos, connected to the international network supporting Cuba's regime, alleges that Cuba is unable to procure food and medical supplies from the United States due to the embargo.
"Groups from around the world have delivered food, medications, cancer treatments for children—items that the embargo prevents the Cuban government from purchasing freely," Santos stated, referring to the convoy he is part of, which delivered three tons of supplies to the island.
"Visiting Cuba at this moment is not just about challenging the embargo or the genocidal siege against the Cuban people; we aim to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and declare 'we will not accept a policy of war,'" Santos added.
The Reality of U.S. Exports to Cuba
Santos's statements contrast with statistics showing significant U.S. exports to Cuba. In the fiscal year 2025 (October-September), U.S. pork and pork product exports to Cuba reached $45.4 million, marking the highest level recorded "since at least fiscal year 1970."
Furthermore, the total value of U.S. agricultural and related exports to Cuba in FY2025 was $476.1 million, up from $398.9 million in FY2024. The largest segment of these exports was poultry and poultry products (excluding eggs), totaling $307.5 million in FY2025 and $292.0 million in FY2024.
Other export categories include dairy products ($31.1 million in FY2025; $19.6 million in FY2024) and non-alcoholic beverages ($17.2 million in FY2025; $14.5 million in FY2024), both reaching their highest values since 1970.
Convoy Nuestra América's Mission
The remarks come after the arrival of the first shipment of aid linked to the "Nuestra América" initiative, which was flown in from Europe with supplies marked with various national flags.
This flotilla, driven by leftist organizations, activists, and political figures, aims to deliver food, medicine, and other essentials to the island amidst its ongoing economic and energy crisis. Organizers plan to transport over 20 tons of humanitarian aid through air, land, and sea routes to Cuba.
More groups and shipments are expected in the coming days, including a delegation from Mexico set to arrive this weekend with additional supplies.
Reactions to the Activist Visits
The activists have engaged in a series of meetings with Cuban state officials and institutions, including exchanges with leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
Journalist Yoani Sánchez responded on social media with a direct message: "We are not a theme park. Take your ideological tourism elsewhere. We are suffering here."
This sentiment echoes frustrations expressed by intellectuals and citizens who criticize the political exploitation of Cuba's crisis. Previously, musicologist and historian Rosa Marquetti condemned what she termed the "folklorization of Cuban misery" and questioned international efforts that, in her view, turn the country's plight into a symbolic venue for ideological debates.
Criticism has grown following statements from some Convoy members, including former Spanish Vice President Pablo Iglesias, who have downplayed the severity of Cuba's internal situation or attributed the crisis solely to external factors.
Questions About U.S.-Cuba Trade and Aid
Is the U.S. embargo preventing Cuba from buying food and medicine?
While the U.S. embargo does impose restrictions, Cuba still imports significant quantities of food and agricultural products from the United States, as shown by the $476.1 million in exports in FY2025.
What is the role of Convoy Nuestra América in supporting Cuba?
Convoy Nuestra América is an initiative by leftist organizations and activists to deliver humanitarian aid, such as food and medicine, to Cuba to alleviate the ongoing crisis.
How have Cuban citizens reacted to international aid efforts?
Many Cuban citizens and intellectuals have expressed discontent, viewing these efforts as political exploitation of their crisis and criticizing the portrayal of Cuba's struggles as a backdrop for ideological debates.