With President Obama’s easing of trade and travel restrictions to Cuba, U.S. citizens and residents visiting that island nation can now bring back unlimited amounts of alcohol (namely Rum) and tobacco products back to the states.
Before travelers could only bring back a total of $100 or tobacco and alcohol, but as long as they are purchased for personal use, and all duties and taxes are satisfied, the sky is the limit on purchases.U.S. visitors to Cuba can now dream of sitting around their kitchen tables and puffing and drinking Cuban exports to their hearts content.
The embargo precludes such sales in the United States.
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The use of the Havana Club rum trademark in the U.S. is also the subject of a long-standing battle between Bacardi and Cuba Ron, the Cuban rum company, and its distribution partner Pernod Ricard. Cuba currently holds the trademark because it registered it with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office after the original owner let the registration lapse. Bacardi claims it is the rightful owner of the trademark in the U.S.
La Barrita sells a variety of rums, but only two brands are produced at the Santiago factory: Santiago de Cuba and Caney.-Miami Herald
But if this Cuban rum and tobacco craze continues, if Americans continue to travel to the island and bring back more of these products, what will happen to the U.S. cigar industry, especially in south Florida?The Miami-area cigar business could be the verge of taking a big financial hit in their guayaberas, if this trend continues. Competition is good, but competition at of this magnitude, happening so quickly, could make life very uncomfortable for those individuals whose lives rely on the local cigar industry.
Stay tuned for more on the growing “Cuba libre” cigar issue…
