Cuba Denies US Negotiations, Claims $8.1 Billion Embargo Loss
Havana, Aktualita.co – The Cuban government has confirmed that there are no formal negotiations with the United States amidst rising economic pressure and energy issues facing the Caribbean nation.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated that communication between Havana and Washington remains possible in certain contexts. However, so far, there is no agenda or official framework for talks that could be classified as bilateral negotiations.
The statement comes as the Cuban government updates its estimate of the economic impact of the United States trade embargo. Havana projects losses throughout 2025 to reach approximately US$8.1 billion, an increase of about 7 percent compared to the previous period.
Havana Emphasizes Diplomatic Contact Is Not Negotiation
Rodríguez emphasized the distinction between diplomatic communication and formal negotiation processes. He made this statement during a press conference in Havana on Monday, September 7, 2026.
“There are no negotiations or agendas, even though the desire to remain in communication still exists,” Rodríguez told reporters.
According to the Cuban government, communication channels with the United States can still be used if necessary to discuss specific issues. However, there is no agreement on an agenda, format, or schedule for official talks between the two countries.
This confirmation comes as relations between Washington and Havana remain under significant pressure.
The administration of President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Cuba through various economic policies, including measures affecting the country’s access to energy, trade, and the international financial system.
For the Cuban government, the United States embargo, which has lasted for decades, remains one of the primary issues in the relationship between the two countries.
Havana argues that these trade and financial restrictions impact Cuba’s ability to import goods, access international financing, acquire technology, and secure energy supplies.
Embargo Losses Estimated at US$8.1 Billion
The Cuban government estimates that economic losses due to the United States embargo throughout 2025 will reach approximately US$8.1 billion.
This figure is a calculation by the Cuban government and has been used by Havana in diplomatic efforts to push for the lifting of various economic restrictions on the country.
This claim is not a figure agreed upon by Washington and Havana.
The United States has maintained a number of restrictive policies against Cuba as part of its pressure on the Havana government, particularly regarding governance, economic policy, and human rights issues.
This difference in perspective makes the embargo one of the main sources of the stalemate in relations between the two countries.
The Cuban government views the embargo as an external factor exacerbating domestic economic conditions. Conversely, Washington views the sanctions as part of its foreign policy instrument toward the Cuban government.
Energy Crisis Worsens Economic Conditions
Cuba’s economic problems are further compounded by a prolonged energy crisis.
The Cuban government stated that limited access to oil since early 2026 has worsened fuel shortages and increased pressure on the national electricity system.
Rodríguez described the impact as not just visible in economic indicators, but as something that has touched the daily lives of citizens.
“The blockade does not punish the government, but punishes everyone on this island,” said Rodríguez.
He noted that in recent months, the Cuban public has faced power supplies that, in certain conditions, are only available for about two to three hours a day or even less.
Limited electricity, according to Rodríguez, causes food to spoil faster, makes it difficult for residents to rest due to the heat, and forces children to do homework in minimal lighting.
However, Cuba’s electricity crisis is also linked to structural problems within the country.
Some power plant infrastructure is aging, while the availability of fuel, spare parts, and financing for maintenance remains limited.
The combination of domestic issues and external pressure makes Cuba’s energy system vulnerable to disruptions.
The impact is felt not only in economic activity but also potentially affects the provision of clean water, healthcare services, the storage of medicines and food, and public business activities.
A number of independent experts working through United Nations mechanisms have also warned that prolonged energy disruptions could have broader humanitarian consequences, including an increased risk of disease outbreaks due to weakened water and electricity services.
Washington Maintains Pressure on Cuba
The United States has so far shown no fundamental change in its policy toward Cuba.
Washington has previously stated that various restrictions and increased sanctions are necessary to pressure the Cuban government to make changes, including regarding economic and human rights issues.
This view is contrary to Havana’s, which argues that various sanctions and economic restrictions have a broad impact on civil society.
These conflicting interests limit the prospects for a restoration of relations like those seen during the administration of President Barack Obama.
During the Obama period, the United States and Cuba opened a new chapter in diplomatic relations after decades of tension.
However, the direction of Washington’s policy toward Havana changed again under the subsequent administration.
Nevertheless, relations between the two countries have not been completely severed.
Technical communication remains necessary on a number of issues, ranging from migration, regional security, and consular affairs to the citizens of both parties and humanitarian issues.
However, such contact cannot yet be interpreted as the beginning of a broader political normalization process.
Indonesia Continues Relations with Cuba
Developments in Cuba-US relations are also relevant to Indonesia, particularly in terms of diplomacy and humanitarianism.
Indonesia maintains diplomatic relations with Cuba and has a diplomatic mission in Havana.
In 2025, the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Havana was also involved in facilitating the distribution of humanitarian aid from Indonesia to the people of Cuba.
This relationship shows that the economic and humanitarian situation in Cuba receives attention from countries outside the American region.
However, Indonesia’s bilateral relationship with Cuba does not place Indonesia as a party to the policy dispute between Havana and Washington.
Indonesia continues to conduct diplomatic relations based on bilateral interests and the principles of international relations adhered to by the government.
No Sign of Breakthrough in Cuba-US Relations
Bruno Rodríguez’s latest statement shows that relations between Cuba and the United States remain in a phase of high tension.
Havana continues to place the economic embargo and limited access to energy as the main issues that must be resolved.
Meanwhile, Washington has not shown any fundamental change in the economic pressure policy applied to the Cuban government.
With no formal negotiation agenda in place, future attention will be focused on the possibility of communication between the two countries evolving into more structured diplomatic talks.
For now, the energy crisis, power outages, fuel shortages, and economic pressure remain the most tangible problems facing the Cuban people.