Cuba

  

General Overview

Population: 11,087,330 (July 2011 est.)
GDP (purchasing power parity): US $114.1 billion (2010 est.)
GDP per capita (PPP): US $9,900 (2010 est.)
GDP (real growth rate): 1.5% (2010 est.)
Industries:
  • Sugar
  • Petroleum
  • Tobacco
  • Construction
  • Nickel
  • Steel
  • Cement
  • Agricultural machinery
  • Pharmaceuticals
Imports: US $10.25 billion (2010 est.)
Import commodities:
  • Petroleum
  • Food
  • Machinery and equipment
  • Chemicals
Exports: US $3.311 billion (2010 est.)
Export commodities:
  • Sugar
  • Nickel
  • Tobacco
  • Fish
  • Medical products
  • Citrus
  • Coffee
Alberta's exports to Cuba: CDN $52.5 million (2010)
Alberta's main exports to Cuba:
  • Wheat
  • Parts of boring or sinking machinery
  • Additives for mineral oils
  • Machinery for washing or screening stones
  • Electrical parts and appliances
  • Milk/cream powder
  • Filtering or purifying machinery
  • Motor vehicles (non-transport purposes)
  • Engines
  • Lifting machinery
  • Iron or steel articles
  • Plastics
  • Pumps
  • Mechanical shovels and excavators
  • Parts of instruments for measuring liquids or gases
  • Surveying or geophysical instruments
  • Rock drilling or earth boring tools
Canada's main exports to Cuba:
  • Sulphur
  • Wheat
  • Peas
  • Potash
  • Copper
  • Worn clothing and textile articles
  • Milk/cream powder
  • Parts of boring or sinking machinery
  • Iron or steel articles, structures and parts

Information about Cuba

CIA World Factbook
Detailed information about Cuba’s economy, political system and history.

Energy Information Administration
Energy profile for Cuba.

Export statistics

Alberta's International Trade Review
An analysis of Alberta's international exports of goods and services. Published by Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations.

Trade Data Online
Customized reports on Canada's trade with over 200 countries.

Alberta-Cuba relations

Alberta companies have capitalized on the unbroken official relationship between Canada and Cuba since 1946. Alberta's private sector has established strong trade and investment ties with Cuba in the areas of agriculture, mining, manufacturing and educational services.

Sector opportunities for Alberta businesses interested in exporting their products

  • Building products: The tourism industry continues to expand in Cuba. As a result, the demand for tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants has led to significant foreign investment and development in this sector. Canada has participated in a number of related projects such as airport improvements and infrastructure projects.

  • Environmental goods and services: Cuba has adequate water resources but the water distribution and sewer systems are not in good condition. Major work is required to upgrade the system. The current environment issues are air and water pollution, biodiversity loss and deforestation.

  • Industrial machinery: This is an emerging market for retrofitted industrial automation and environmental controls as well as used equipment. The leading industries are textiles and apparel, iron and steel, chemicals, furniture, plastics and ceramics, soups, detergents and cosmetics. Current problems in this area are largely due to a lack of spare parts and fuel. Expertise in "flexible manufacturing" could find application in this environment, especially considering the need to supply both domestic and export markets and to expand as the market grows.

  • Mining equipment and services: Canadian mining companies such as Sherritt International are very active in Cuba. Cuban exports of nickel and cobalt, much of which is refined in Alberta, is an important source of foreign currency earning for Cuba. In recent years, there has been considerable exploration activity being carried out by foreign firms looking for copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc and chrome. Low commodity prices have led to sharp decline in exploration activity. There are opportunities for exploration and mining joint ventures as well as mining services ventures.

  • Oil and gas equipment and services: Recent discoveries have shown that Cuba may be able to produce as much as 18.3 million barrels of oil per year. Cuba has opened an 112,000 sq. km area in the Gulf of Mexico for deep-water oil exploration by foreign companies. New oil and natural gas extraction technology has resulted in increased production from operations along the northwest coast of the Republic of Cuba. This is where Toronto-based Sherritt International Corporation, in partnership with Republic of Cuba government-operated Cuba Petróleo (Cupet), is active. Comercial Cupet S.A. is responsible for developing and contracting with foreign investors and with services companies, and is actively searching for exploration companies with the capacity to enter into investment/equity sharing agreements.

Services for exporters

Canada Business
Online tool for new and experienced exporters.

The Canadian Commercial Corporation
Crown corporation that promotes and facilitates international trade on behalf of Canadian industry.

Electronic Business Intelligence Service
Online source for export market intelligence, international company profiles, business opportunities, reports and web links

Export Alert!
A resource for exporters to learn about changes in foreign export regulations.

Export resources
Resources for both new and experienced exporters.

International Trade Canada
Sector reports as well as a list of staff contacts that can assist exporters.

Virtual Trade Commissioner
A database of Canadian exporters that enable companies to provide their information to prospective foreign buyers, importers, distributors and partners.

Services in Cuba

Date Updated:
RDP-1602