Economy Minister Ricardo Cabrisas told Parliament that the island's gross domestic product fell nearly 1 percent after seeing a growth rate of nearly 3 percent from 2011-2015, according to Cubadebate, the country's main news website. He blamed the slump on shrinking exports and financial troubles in allied Venezuela.
The last time official figures showed a fall in Cuba's gross domestic product fell was in 1993 after the Soviet Union collapsed, abruptly stripping away much of the country's aid and trade.
A global drop in petroleum prices has slammed Venezuela's oil-dependent economy, forcing it to cut back sales of crude oil to Cuba, with exports dropping from 115,000 barrels daily in 2008 to 90,000 in recent years to 40,000 a day in the past few months. In addition, the number of contracts for professional services with Venezuela has dwindled. A large number of Cuban doctors have long traveled to Venezuela, with their salaries going directly to the Cuban government. Cabrisas also blamed the economic slump on U.S. Sanctions on Cuba, with officials previously saying that the 55-year-old embargo has cost the island USD 125.9 billion, including USD 4.6 billion last year.
Cabrisas said he expected the island's gross domestic product to grow by 2 percent next year if the government cuts costs, increases exports and finds alternatives for certain imports.