What will Cuban Cigars mean for the future of the U.S.?

Cuban cigars have been all over the news lately. They have been a popular topic of conversation among cigar aficionados for numerous years. Cuban cigars are set to invade the U.S. cigar market in an immense and unavoidable way. Undoubtedly, Cuban cigars have been desirable and sought after worldwide. Since 1962, Cuban cigars have been forbidden imports to the U.S. because of the economic embargo. Cuban cigars have been an iconic symbol for the island and represents Cuban heritage.

President Obama’s recent move stirred the Cuban cigar pot. In January 2015 Obama publicly affirmed that the U.S. is going to restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. The president discussed how America will be re-establishing an embassy, adjusting regulations, and improving travel. U.S. citizens travelling to Cuba will be authorized to purchase personal consumption goods while they are travelling. They can also import $400.00 worth of goods back home from Cuba. Out of that $400.00, $100 or less can be tobacco and alcohol products.

Cigars are one of the top and most alluring exports coming from Cuba. Cuban cigars have been a forbidden, desired cigar for too long. Cuban cigars represent wealth and glamour. The fact that they are unattainable adds to the overall allure and mystique of the cigars. 

Cuban cigars are lusted after by many aficionados. These cigars offer a unique smoke that is heavily sought after. Cigar aficionado estimates that the U.S. cigar market is worth around $2.6 Billion. When Cuba is introduced to our trade embargo, they will make a massive change in the industry. It is already estimated that Cuban cigars will take up around 1/3 of the U.S. cigar market. All of this shows that there seems to be a bright future for Cuban cigars.

Currently, the exact impact can only be estimated. There is a huge demand for Cuban cigars in the U.S. market. While the exact future may be unknown at this time, one thing is apparent; there is a huge market for Cuban cigars and there are many Americans that would want to light one up in the privacy of their own home.