Further Easing of US Sanctions on Cuba

As expected, the Obama Administration announced today that it is further easing trade and travel restrictions on Cuba by lifting restrictions on the amount of money that can be sent to Cuba by Cuban Americans with family in Cuba (barring senior Cuban government and Communist party officials) and allowing Cuban Americans to make unlimited trips to Cuba to visit family there.  Other changes in the regulations will allow more gifts to be sent to Cuba, such as clothing, personal hygiene items, seeds, and fishing gear.  The Obama Administration has also proposed changing the rules governing telecommunications to allow U.S. companies to provide cell phone, television and radio service in Cuba, but any such changes will require the approval and cooperation of the Cuban government.  Click here for the Presidential Memo.

(cgb)