Cuban industry marked by resilience in 2025

For Cuban industry, 2025 was a year full of challenges, in which different sectors had to develop strategic plans to contribute to the national economy and the development of society, despite the difficulties of the current times.

At the beginning of the year, Manuel Marrero Cruz, member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister of the Republic, noted in the Ministry of Industry's (Mindus) report that this agency is essential in the work to substitute imports.

He emphasized that, to continue exploiting the potential of this sector, it is necessary to promote the automation of production processes, strengthen the training of human resources, and encourage the use of technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence.

In the report presented to the Cuban Parliament on the management of the first five months of 2025, Mindus provided details about a comprehensive system created jointly with the National Office of Statistics and Information, the General Customs Office, and the National Tax Administration Office.

This unity made it possible to study the country's industrial sector, which at that time included more than 30,000 actors, among them state-owned enterprises, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and self-employed workers.

Among the actions undertaken by the organization to consolidate its position internationally was Cuba's participation in the BRICS Forum on Partnerships for the New Industrial Revolution 2025, held last September in China, with delegates from more than 30 countries in attendance.

At that event, Eloy Álvarez Martínez, head of the Ministry of Industry (Mindus), held high-level dialogues with representatives from other nations with the aim of promoting collaboration between governments and institutions, focusing on topics such as the digital economy, ecology, innovation, and technology.
Throughout the year, meetings were held with Belarusian authorities, during which the intention to create joint ventures to boost the economic and social growth of both countries was expressed.

During the official visit to Cuba last November by Pabitra Margherita, India's Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, both nations strengthened cooperation ties, with an emphasis on renewable energy, medical-pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and tourism, among other areas.

Another link established by the country resulted in the creation of the joint venture DuoNex S.A., a partnership between the Cuban entity Industrias Nexus S.A. and the Chinese company Hangzhou Iunke Industrial Development Co., specializing in lightweight production, including the manufacture of footwear for various uses.
At the 41st Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2025), the call for entries for Simecuba 2026 was presented. Simecuba is the first event to be held in Cuba dedicated to the steel and mechanical engineering industry.

Simecuba aims to foster alliances among the various stakeholders in this sector, focusing on themes such as foreign investment, the circular economy, and technology and artificial intelligence.

Among the essential aspects for the advancement of society is the food sector, which, during this period, has faced numerous challenges due to the US embargo and the country's complex situation.

There are frequent difficulties in obtaining raw materials and other resources to guarantee food for the population, which is a government priority.

Despite the challenges, this sector, in accordance with the Government Program's objectives to correct distortions and revitalize the economy, is working internally to eliminate deficiencies and enhance production without generating losses.

It is also developing strategies to generate foreign exchange to revitalize the sector. Following Hurricane Melissa's passage through the eastern region, the centers within the sector responsible for the recovery process ensured the supply of powdered milk for children up to six years old, baby food, and other essential food items.
In a complex national context, nickel mining stands out as a promising resource.

This resource has gained significant importance within the national growth plan, not only for its benefits but also for the efforts being made to minimize environmental pollution during its extraction.

One of the challenges for 2025 has been to revitalize the sugar sector, which has long failed to meet expectations.

Top officials emphasize the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, based on internal analysis.

Throughout the year, political and ideological work, the fight against corruption, and support for the Revolution from various fronts have allowed the Cuban industry, despite its difficulties, to remain a pillar of progress.