The US trade embargo on Cuba was imposed as a response to the cold war. The embargo prohibits almost all trade with Cuba, but somehow the United States is still their fifth largest importer. Until recently, this embargo also prohibited all US tourism to Cuba, but that has now begun to falter as well. Clearly, this is an outdated embargo.
Removing this embargo would save an estimated $1.2 billion lost per year, according the US Chamber of Commerce. In addition, it would most likely result in lower costs for sugar and tobacco, Cuba’s chief exports. The UN has voted for 21 consecutive years in favor of removing the embargo, and yet it remains. The effect of removing the embargo would be an economic gain for the United States, while improving the lives of millions of people in Cuba.