Cuba says no US talks, embargo costs $8.1B

HAVANA, Sept 7 - Cuba announced Monday that it is not currently engaged in negotiations with the United States, nor are there plans for future talks, as Havana detailed significant economic losses attributed to the decades-old U.S. trade embargo. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that while Cuba remains willing to maintain contact with U.S. officials, progress remains stalled. According to the Cuban government, the U.S. embargo caused approximately $8.1 billion in economic damages between March 2025 and February 2026. This figure represents a 7 percent increase compared to the previous reporting period, marking a record level of loss. Minister Rodriguez indicated that the financial impact is expected to grow further in early 2026 due to additional restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, including an oil blockade introduced in January and secondary sanctions on Cuban entities in May. Rodriguez described the U.S. policies as a "genocidal blockade" and "economic asphyxiation," asserting that ordinary Cubans are bearing the brunt of the measures.