Canada: Trade and affection for Cuba

Photo: Mintur

Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda highlighted that room reservation by Canadian tourists ‘vgor the 2025-2026 winter season are expected to increase by 30%–40%.”.

At the inauguration of the Canadian Pavilion at the Havana International Fair, the minister emphasized that Canada continues to be the leading source of tourists to the island, with year-on-year growth exceeding 11% since June and surpassing September 2019 figures by 8.6%.

García Granada recalled that, before the pandemic, more than one million Canadian tourists visited Cuba each year, reaching a peak of 1.3 million in 2015. “These results should guide our objectives for 2026,” he stated, adding that the International Tourism Fair (FITCUBA) in May will be dedicated to Canada and will take place in Varadero from May 6 to 9.

The minister attributed this recovery to Canadians’ affection for Cuba, a bond he noted, “has withstood disinformation campaigns.” Following a recent visit to Canada, he noted the “growing interest in visiting Cuba,” and assured that the country has prepared to maintain the quality of its services.

Before diplomatic authorities, government officials, and business leaders from both nations, the minister highlighted the strength of bilateral ties as the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic, consular, economic, commercial and cultural relations between the two countries was commemorated. “These constitute an example of the ties that can be established between countries with different levels of economic development, for the construction of a better world,” he stated.

García Granda welcomed the new Canadian Trade Commissioner in Cuba, Mr. Philippe Armengau, and emphasized the importance of bilateral economic relations. “Cuba is Canada’s main market in the Caribbean and the largest export market for Canadian goods in the region,” he specified. He also pointed out that Canada is the second-largest source of foreign direct investment in Cuba, with significant participation in sectors such as mining, energy, oil and gas.

Trade and challenges

Referring to trade, the minister indicated that Canada remains Cuba’s fourth largest trading partner, with a 0.5% increase over the past year. However, he noted that while imports from Canada increased by a significant 51%, Cuban exports decreased.

“This result alone indicates the efforts that both sides must make to reach the trade levels of previous years,” the minister stated, calling for the diversification of Cuban exports and the availability of the necessary support to continue acquiring Canadian products.

He also acknowledged the major recent challenges, such as the “unprecedented intensification of the United States blockade against Cuba,” international armed conflicts, and the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the eastern provinces.

Commitment and mutual trust

Addressing the Canadian business leaders present, the minister reiterated, “The willingness and commitment to honor our financial obligations, to the extent that the objective conditions in the country allow,” while recognizing the international financial tensions affecting Cuba.

He concluded by emphasizing that, “eight decades of respect and friendship between our peoples is an alliance that transcends trade, anchored in mutual trust.” He expressed his confidence in the future of this collaboration, “working side by side to overcome any obstacle,” and wished all visitors a pleasant stay in “Cuba Única.”

Meanwhile, Canadian Ambassador to Cuba, Ms. Marianick Tremblay, stated that the millions of Canadians who have traveled to Cuba over the years have contributed to strengthening the ties between the two nations.

She noted that while this year marks 80 years of diplomatic relations, the ties date back more than a century, to when Canada traded cod and beer for Cuban rum and sugar. “Relations between our countries have developed much, much more since then,” she remarked, specifying that in 2024, trade between the two countries totaled approximately $910 million.

These figures indicate that Cuba has remained Canada’s main trading partner and largest export market, Tremblay said.