The Castro brothers and their lackeys have used the embargo to explain away every disastrous strategic plan they’ve concocted over the last 60+ years: Es el bloqueo. El bloqueo.

Furthermore, take a look at the many countries which have trade with Cuba [0]. Their problem is mostly self-created through their monetary policy and the severe restrictions entrepreneurial Cubans face. The Castrista government must have its hands on every little thing that generates money. The slightest deviation from the party line results in significant punishment including prison.

[0] https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/isdb_results/factsheets/country...