Cuba Embargo
Target: CubaSince 1962 (64 years)Active — 63 Years
$500M
Est. Economic Impact
1962
First Imposed
64 yrs
Active Duration
Overview
The longest-running US sanctions regime, in effect since 1962. The comprehensive trade embargo was imposed to pressure the Castro government and has survived 11 US presidents, the end of the Cold War, and near-annual UN General Assembly votes condemning it.
Impact
Cuba's GDP growth has been stunted for decades. Medical and food shortages are chronic. The UN estimates cumulative economic damage to Cuba at $154 billion. However, the Castro government survived and the embargo is widely considered a failed policy.
Key Fact
The UN General Assembly has voted to condemn the Cuba embargo every year since 1992, most recently 187-2 in 2024. Only the US and Israel vote to maintain it.