• Submitted by: manso
• Business and Economy
• 05 / 03 / 2011

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High import price, low production in Cuba are cited. An 'Informative Note' from the Interior Trade Ministry, published Tuesday in Granma:

In view of the increase of the price of coffee in the world market, which at this date last year amounted to $1,740 per ton of Robusta coffee and at present is sold at $2,904, a 69-percent increase, it has been decided to once again produce coffee  mixed with peas for the rationed quota.

In addition to the previous cause, the low indices of national production have a bearing on this measure.

For its part, the price of peas on the international market, following the trend of foodstuffs, rose last year in a smaller proportion, from $390 per ton to $500, a 30-percent increase.

In view of these elements of an economic nature, it has been determined to set a price of 4 national pesos (CUP) for a bag of 115 grams of mixed coffee to ensure the amounts that will continue to be delivered to the population in a rationed manner.

In addition, the rationed quota issued to consumers up to 6 years of age will be terminated. These measures will be applied as of this month.

Even with the adoption of these decisions, the State maintains an annual subsidy of approximately 190 million pesos.

Source: //miamiherald.typepad.com/cuban_colada/2011/05/