In Cuba, the skyrocketing cost of pork has delivered a significant blow to the regime, laying bare the ineffectiveness of government strategies aimed at "correcting distortions" and "revitalizing the economy." According to figures from the state-run National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), the price of a pound of pork shoulder in Havana climbed from 580 Cuban pesos (CUP) in December 2023 to 980 CUP by February 2025, marking a 68.9% increase.
This surge in pork prices is not an isolated incident but rather highlights a deeper crisis within Cuba’s agricultural sector. Cuban economist Pedro Monreal took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dissatisfaction with Miguel Díaz-Canel's administration, stating, "Now tell me whatever you want about the government's 'projections' to correct distortions and all that nonsense."
Back in 2023, pork production plummeted by 93.2% compared to the previous year, declining from 200,000 tons to a mere 13,300 tons. This drastic reduction has transformed pork—once a staple protein source in the Cuban diet—into an unattainable luxury for most citizens.
In response to this crisis, the Cuban government has rolled out numerous economic measures. However, these have mainly resulted in empty rhetoric rather than substantive change. The Council of Ministers, in July 2024, introduced actions to "correct distortions and boost the economy," including adjustments to the 2024 Plan and Budget under "wartime economy" conditions, budget cuts to reduce the fiscal deficit, and centralization of budget approvals.
The government also aimed to assess the fiscal impact of imports by non-state management forms and proposed a unified pricing policy across all economic sectors. Nevertheless, these efforts failed to reverse the negative trends.
By February 2025, the government elevated its "Projections of Government" to a "Government Program" to address economic distortions, yet it lacked concrete measures and merely reiterated previous promises without any real changes. Later that month, new measures were introduced, including updates to electricity tariffs, setting maximum retail prices for staple goods like rice and beans, and implementing prepaid cards for fuel purchases. Additionally, there were attempts to attract foreign investors to the Mariel Special Development Zone and a proposed new mechanism for currency management and allocation.
Despite these initiatives, inflation continues to rise. Essential goods and services have seen significant price increases, severely impacting Cuban purchasing power and complicating access to basic necessities.
The lack of tangible results has sparked criticism and skepticism among the populace, who view these measures as inadequate and out of touch with everyday realities. The phrase "Revitalize the economy... what economy?" has become a widespread expression of discontent and frustration.
In January 2025, a Cuban woman posted on Facebook a video showing a pork leg priced at $24.90 in Miami, equivalent to $0.99 per pound. In stark contrast, a pound of pork in Cuba soared to over 1,500 Cuban pesos during the holiday season, translating to $4.44 according to the exchange rate at that time.
Pork, traditionally a dietary staple in Cuba, has become an unaffordable luxury due to its high price. By December 2024, the cost of a pound of pork steak exceeded 1,400 pesos in the informal market, a prohibitive amount for many Cubans, especially retirees.
This situation has led to the disappearance of pork derivatives, such as chicharrones, from Cuban tables. At the end of 2024, a pensioner from Santiago de Cuba voiced her frustration, noting that "chicharrones are a thing of the past." Like many in her community, she longs for the days when she could "enjoy at least a piece of pork," referring to the animal as "macho" in the eastern part of the country.
Authorities claim that pork prices remain at "over 600 pesos per pound," but reality shows otherwise. This disconnect between official data and the harsh daily life faced by the public highlights the government's inefficiency and lack of transparency in state statistics.
The government has pledged to boost pork production through innovative initiatives, such as the establishment of multiplier centers, the use of liquid feeds, and the integration of producers. However, these measures have yet to yield tangible results. Current monthly production remains far below the 17,000 tons needed to meet demand.
The government attributes this shortfall to a supply deficit of inputs like corn and soy, and a lack of medicines, though other obstacles, such as bureaucratic barriers, also hinder livestock farmers.
Meanwhile, Cubans face exorbitant prices and witness the disappearance of a crucial culinary tradition. The once-typical roasted pork for New Year's is now nearly unattainable, reflecting a food crisis that limits access to essential protein sources.
The current situation calls for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of Cuba's economic crisis. Until then, the population continues to grapple with daily challenges to access basic food, hoping for the implementation of effective policies that ensure their right to adequate nutrition and a dignified life.
Understanding Cuba's Pork Price Crisis
What caused the rise in pork prices in Cuba?
The increase in pork prices in Cuba is attributed to a significant drop in production, ineffective government policies, and inflation, along with supply shortages of essential inputs.
How has the pork price surge affected the Cuban population?
The surge in pork prices has made it a luxury item, limiting access for most Cubans who rely on it as a main protein source, thereby exacerbating the ongoing food crisis.
What has been the government’s response to the pork price crisis?
The government has implemented various economic measures and promised production initiatives, but these have largely failed to produce tangible results or curb rising prices.