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ARTICLE · 14 MAY 2015

Changes In US Sanctions On Cuba Present Opportunities And Challenges

A&O Shearman
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The Obama Administration's recent loosening of trade restrictions on Cuba has the potential to open new opportunities for US businesses.

United StatesInternational Law
A&O Shearman
A&O Shearman
Cynthia Urda Kassis
Cynthia Urda Kassis
Antonia Stolper
Antonia Stolper
Stephen Fishbein
Stephen Fishbein
Manuel Orillac
Manuel Orillac
Christopher LaVigne
Christopher LaVigne
Mark Lanpher
Mark Lanpher
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The Obama Administration's recent loosening of trade restrictions on Cuba has the potential to open new opportunities for US businesses. However, there are several obstacles to be overcome before US companies may access Cuba's economy and realize those opportunities:

  • Cuban law currently restricts entrepreneurs from engaging directly with US suppliers
  • US regulations still prohibit transactions with a significant number of Cuban government officials
  • The Helms-Burton Act requires outstanding claims against Cuba to be resolved before sanctions are lifted
  • The Helms-Burton Act limits the President's ability to fully lift sanctions until Cuba has elected democratically a government

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