It is a parting gift from President Obama to US tourists in Cuba.
ADVERTISEMENT
It is a parting gift from President Obama to US tourists in Cuba.
He has removed a $100 cap on the amount of rum and cigars they can take home from their holidays, as part of moves to relax trade, travel and financial restrictions that have been in place for decades.
The news was welcomed by American visitors to the Communist-ruled island.
“Americans like variety in their rum and tobacco and it is more variety, so it is not bad,” said tourist Erica Hunter in Havana.
Today @POTUS took another major step forward in our efforts to normalize relations with Cuba. What you need to know: https://t.co/2khWEh27b2 pic.twitter.com/Li14GOMAf8
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) 14 octobre 2016
It is also good news for those selling some of Cuba’s most coveted products.
“All these exported goods that reach the market, which is growing, are good for our economy,” said barman Julio Cabrisas.
US law still bans general tourism to Cuba, but the Obama administration has made it easier for Americans to visit under several authorised categories.
Republican-controlled Congress, however, has resisted his call to lift Washington’s economic embargo.