Cuba says U.S. sanctions hinder its economic opening despite reform plans

Cuba says the U.S. sanctions policy is blocking its plan to open the economy to private investment even as Havana pushes June reforms to expand private business, imports/exports without state intermediaries, and foreign investment. Analysts say sanctions constrain capital access and overall reform momentum, noting a paradox where U.S. pressure may spur liberalization while also limiting the resources needed to implement changes; ongoing U.S.–Cuba talks and sharp partisan critiques underscore the policy’s persistent impact on Cuba’s economic trajectory.