Tobacco is Cuba’s “main export product”, according to president Miguel Díaz-Canel

The Cuban president made this statement during a visit to the H. Upmann cigar factory in Havana.

“Tobacco has become the country’s leading export,” declared Miguel Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party and President of the Republic of Cuba, during an official visit to the H. Upmann cigar factory in central Havana in early February 2025.

“We are closely monitoring this activity because we believe it is our greatest national asset,” he added during a speech in the rolling room filmed by state television Canal Caribe. “It is growing significantly and benefits all those involved in the production.”

The Cuban president, who attended the closing ceremony of the 25th Festival del Habano a few days later, also noted during this visit that the tobacco industry was “part of the country’s history.” “Tobacco sets us apart in the world,” he emphasized.

According to the latest available figures, in 2023, raw materials (nickel, gold, cobalt) represented 47.5% of Cuban exports, ahead of rum and cigars (23%) and chemical products (8%).

Photos: ©Canal Caribe (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=523221730786339)