A Chinese wholesale market that opened in July in Havana has shut its doors indefinitely without any explanation. "This is the Chinese market they opened in Centro Habana, you can tell it's Chinese, it didn't last open at all," said Yosniel Gonzalez, a self-employed worker, in the Facebook group MIPYME Habana.
Additionally, the youtuber known for his channel "Vámonos con Juanka" shared his astonishment upon seeing the so-called "Chinese Costco" closed and wondered what might have happened. "Today I went to shop at the massive Chinese wholesale market that caused a sensation on social media a few days ago. To my surprise, I found this sign at its entrance announcing the indefinite closure," he recounted on Facebook. "The reasons? Unknown. The attendees at the site seemed surprised, and some even speculated on the possible cause of this sudden shutdown," he added.
Comments are rampant on social media about the reason for the market's closure just over a month after its opening, but for now, everything remains speculation and conjecture. "The children and grandchildren of the country's leaders don't like businesses like these because they compete with theirs, and then their businesses don't sell," claimed a self-employed worker. "Good things don't last long... someone didn't like the low prices," noted an IT specialist. "It doesn't fit because it works too well. Now they close it, and when it reopens, you'll see the adaptations to the 'apagonia' system," assured another self-employed worker.
The new wholesale market China Import, located at Manglar and Oquendo in Centro Habana, near the Cuatro Caminos market, quickly captured the attention of Cuban entrepreneurs for its wide variety of products and competitive prices. Facebook user "Cubano De Pura Cepa" celebrated the return of this type of commerce to Havana after 60 years and pointed out that the Chinese business's offerings were so diverse that "there's everything as in a pharmacy."
He explained that products could be purchased in national currency (MN) at the informal exchange rate of the day and that payments by transfer in MN and in MLC would be accepted. However, initially, this option was not available as they faced technical problems with payment platforms in Cuba. The fact that buyers could pay in MN at the prevailing informal exchange rate was a very attractive option for entrepreneurs but inaccessible for the average Cuban.
Another user, Lisandra Martín, expressed her surprise at the pricing in dollars and wondered what would happen if small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes) adopted this system of "exchange at the day's price."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Chinese Wholesale Market Closure in Havana
Given the sudden closure of the Chinese wholesale market in Havana, many questions have arisen. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more clarity on the situation.
Why did the Chinese wholesale market in Havana close?
The exact reasons for the closure are currently unknown. Speculations range from internal issues to external pressures from competing businesses.
What impact does the closure have on local entrepreneurs?
The closure has significantly impacted local entrepreneurs who were benefiting from the market's competitive prices and wide range of products.
Can buyers still purchase products in national currency (MN)?
While the market was open, buyers could purchase products in national currency at the informal exchange rate. However, with the market's closure, this option is currently unavailable.
Will the market reopen in the future?
There is no official information on when or if the market will reopen. The situation remains uncertain.