The End of the Revolution

[toasterhead]

Hello all,

In case you didn't catch it in print (which may be a thing of the past soon), a lengthy but good read on what is left of the Cuban economy.

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine/index.html

I found it interesting that the US is the largest exporter of food to Cuba. Some embargo.

Dave

[El Presidente]

Great reading. To classify Cuba as having an economy is an oxymoron

[stargazer14]

I heard a news program this morn about the possibility or Cuba/US relations warming with the new presidential term -

this got me thinking and I wanted to get some others thoughts on:

If the embargo ends and trade again opens up in the next few years,

how do you think this will effect the quality, perception, and value of cuban cigar cigars in the states?

I see this huge rush of folks wanting to try a cuban, then that fad dying off as only those who really appreciate a good cigar

will last to bring the market back to a 'normal' level.

Will I be able to buy a Partagas D4 in my local CVS drug store, right next to the condoms and batteries?

Thoughts?

[Colt45]

Will I be able to buy a Partagas D4 in my local CVS drug store, right next to the condoms and batteries?

Thoughts?

There have been a number of threads, and I wish I could find the most recent. Not to speak for Rob, and to paraphrase,

if I recall correctly he mentioned that while there is land available to plant, and available processed tobacco, that

worldwide distributors have been warned that they will lose part of their allotments to the U.S. market.

[El Presidente]

Worldwide demand has dropped in 2008 as a result of global economy downfall and heavier restrictions on smoking in Europe. It is estimated by HSA that the demand for Cuban cigars in the USA will be approx 50 million cigars. That is nearing 1/3 of current production.

I doubt they will increase production past 200 Million cigars (165-170 now), simply increase price to meet the demand/supply curve.

[donpepe]

There is some weird stuff going on there right now. On one hand the TV and newspapers are reporting things that reflect bad on the government, and there was a protest the other day and nobody was arrested. On the other hand petty criminals like the guys who exchange money in the streets are being jailed without trial. I don't get it.