The US embargo against Cuba still limits trade between the two countries, but an analysis for the Miami Herald by Datamyne shows steady traffic between several Florida air- and seaports and the island. Trade reached almost $65 million last year.
In 2015, the Port Everglades, Port Miami, Miami International Airport, Jacksonville, Port Tampa Bay and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport together tallied $57.2 million worth of exports to Cuba. But last year, only three Florida seaports — Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville — and MIA sent exports to Cuba, with the total falling to $46.4 million.
The US embargo precludes most true imports from the island. In 2015, the exceptions added up to $61.95 million worth of goods from Cuba shipped to five Florida ports — Jacksonville, Miami, Port Everglades, Tampa Bay and Fort Pierce. In 2016, imports from Cuba handled by Florida ports fell to $18.5 million.
Reporter Mimi Whitefield uncovers some intriguing shipments among the import bills of lading, including the returns of stage equipment from the Rolling Stones’ Havana concert in March and a traveling Bible exhibit.
Read the full article, “Florida commerce with Cuba totals $65 million even as governor tries to limit trade expansion” »