The sanctions don’t prevent imports. Lack of money prevents imports.
Cuba is broke, flat broke.
Cuba has nothing the world needs. No sales, no money
“Cuba has nothing the world needs.”
So, of course, I had to go look! Surprising.
Cuba’s Top Ten Exports
Tobacco, manufactured substitutes: US$361.9 million (22.2% of total exports)
Ores, slag, ash: $179.7 million (11%)
Nickel: $168.2 million (10.3%)
Beverages, spirits, vinegar: $110 million (6.7%)
Wood: $62 million (3.8%)
Fish: $54.6 million (3.3%)
Copper: $19.7 million (1.2%)
Pharmaceuticals: $19 million (1.2%)
Dairy, eggs, honey: $14.6 million (0.9%)
Sugar, sugar confectionery: $14 million (0.9%)
https://www.worldstopexports.com/cubas-top-10-exports/