Merged: US Cuba policy change

[Vetteman]

This could be interesting

American Alan Gross has reportedly been released from a Cuban prison in exchange for three Cuban spies held in the U.S., according to reports.

The stunning turn of events was coupled with the announcement that both U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro will make simultaneous announcements on national television about the future of relations between the two countries.

[skunkmilk]

So, there is a lot in the news lately about improving US and Cuba relations. I believe we just did a "spy swap" and there are talks that this may result (eventully) in lifting the embargo.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/07/world/americas/united-states-cuba-relations/index.html

What do you guys think?

What sort of changes to the US Cuban cigar market could take place?

[Boreduscstudent]

Obama is expected to deliver a statement about Cuba shortly after 12pm est.

[warren516]

US to start talks with Cuba to normalize full diplomatic relations: http://www.cnbc.com/id/102249788

......The president is set to announce a wide range of changes to the government's policy toward Cuba, CNN reported earlier. U.S, travels will be able to import $400 in goods from the country. This includes up to $100 in alcohol and tobacco, such as Cuban cigars.

While the policy change wouldn't include tourism, it would permit more travel to Cuba, CNN reported......

[JY0]

Good for the Cuban people, not necessarily good for cuban cigar smokers. Pent up demand may result in supply issues, at least initially. The U.S. will tax cigars, probably doubling the price.

I'll stick with my current sources.

[Sophistic]

while this is just a smell step, it obviously hints to further developments, time to increase my cigar stock before prices go up.

[Boreduscstudent]

Some interesting developments going on ----> US businessman Alan Gross released from Cuban prison - Obama to Announce U.S.-Cuba Relations Shift as Gross Is Released - Cuban President Raul Castro is scheduled to speak about the same time as Obama to talk about U.S.-Cuba relations

And now U.S. EXPECTED TO LIFT TRAVEL, MONEY TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS TO CUBA

Hearing +ve for: Cruise Lines, Airlines, Casinos and Hotels? US Credit Cards allowed, so Banks next?. US Telecom Suppliers – Telecom can now be exported.

Negative for Tobacco?

Many possible reasons for the quick shift ----> Maybe Fidel passed overnight / Geopolitical positioning by US to block Putin in the Caribbean / Collapse of Oil ends Venezuela Support? Oil revenues vanishing fast

[hulklogan]

Announcements coming at noon from both sides...

[mgravito]

Time to stock up on Embargo Era Cubans.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

[poorman]

This artilce has an interesting take...

http://www.breitbart.com/system/wire/ap_8cc6420b74454aed9206732cca9a51aa

Among the expected changes as a result of the improvement in U.S.-Cuba relations is that licensed American travelers to Cuba will now be able to return to the U.S. with $400 in Cuban goods, including tobacco and alcohol products worth less than $100 combined. This means the long-standing ban on importing Cuban cigars is over

[JohnnyO]

Alan Gross was released today in exchange for some prisoners in the US. He is actually on a plane at this moment. Obama is to speak 12 noon today on a shift in Cuba policy.

John

[ha1fway]

Short term this doesn't seem like a big deal honestly, I would be surprised if anything changes for at least a couple years. The announcement today is more or less a non-issue as far as cigars are concerned.

[Drguano]

NY Times says:

WASHINGTON — The United States will open talks with Cuba aimed at restoring full diplomatic relations and opening an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half century after the release of an American contractor held in prison for five years, American officials said Wednesday.

[helix]

I am so happy for Alan Gross and his family and for Cuba.

[tjohn7]

If the embargo gets lifted at some point, I'm pouring my savings into boxes of cigars, as those babies are gonna be super expensive once Uncle Sam starts taxing them.

Great news for the US and Cuba though. Let's hope that one day the embargo is lifted. So ridiculous that it still exists.

[Fosgate]

NOOOOO!

Not just when U.S. starts taxing them, just think of supply and demand as all other cigar smokers will now be able to buy real Cubans!!!! They are about to get expensive for everyone! At least for a short time anyway.

[knickerbocker]

lol guys. it is really poor form to sit here and complain about your cigars potentially being more expensive when the US opening up normal relations with Cuba is likely going to help the Cuban people immensely. You all look pretty moronic.

We should be happy for Alan Gross and his family, and the other intelligence asset that has been released from Cuba. Not complaining about the price of cigars. Big picture people.

[leftimatic]

I think quality of cigars will go down the toilet. Imagine trying to keep up with that influx of demand. Fakes will skyrocket. And there will be a McDonalds on every corner within five years.

Should get back to Cuba and enjoy the charm and good smokes before it's too late.

[Mr. Japan]

Buy ...buy...buy.... :-)

Happy for Gross family ...happy for Cuba....happy for my american brothers that can finally travel without problems to l'Havana...

but prices of cigars will go up.

[dangolf18]

If the embargo were to be lifted, would product from 1962 up to the ban still be illegal to buy?

[Scdalak]

As part of resuming diplomatic relations with Cuba, the U.S. will soon reopen an embassy in the capital of Havana and carry out high-level exchanges and visits between the governments. The U.S. is also easing travel bans to Cuba, including for family visits, official U.S. government business and educational activities. Tourist travel remains banned.

Licensed American travelers to Cuba will now be able to return to the U.S. with $400 in Cuban goods, including tobacco and alcohol products worth less than $100 combined. This means the long-standing ban on importing Cuban cigars is over, although there are still limits.

Wow... See you all at the next Havana Fest!!!!

[tjohn7]

lol guys. it is really poor form to sit here and complain about your cigars potentially being more expensive when the US opening up normal relations with Cuba is likely going to help the Cuban people immensely. You all look pretty moronic.

We should be happy for Alan Gross and his family, and the other intelligence asset that has been released from Cuba. Not complaining about the price of cigars. Big picture people.

Easy! I'm very happy for Mr. Gross and the people of Cuba. But we're on a cigar forum. I think it's fair game to comment on the effect that a diplomatic shift might have on our cigars.

[LordAnubis]

lol guys. it is really poor form to sit here and complain about your cigars potentially being more expensive when the US opening up normal relations with Cuba is likely going to help the Cuban people immensely. You all look pretty moronic.

We should be happy for Alan Gross and his family, and the other intelligence asset that has been released from Cuba. Not complaining about the price of cigars. Big picture people.

Ahahah mate there's a saying for this... first world problems

[Dara]

There's talk that Castro might even announce that Mus will be admitted to the country the next time he turns up in Havana

[Burtonium]

That's how I read it. But like another member posted, I'll stick with my current supplier.