The Cuban government has decided to extend the deadlines for private micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes) and non-agricultural cooperatives to continue engaging in wholesale trade.
According to Resolution 18/2025 from the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN), published in the Official Gazette No. 43 Ordinary of May 7, 2025, the extension benefits non-state economic actors who have been authorized for wholesale activity, either as a primary or secondary part of their businesses.
However, the measure clarifies that this extension will only be maintained until an evaluation concludes regarding how these companies operate economically and socially, both in their provinces and at the national level, and according to what is decided by "the country's policies."
On the other hand, the text clarifies that those self-employed workers engaged in wholesale trade with national or imported products are not included in this extension.
For them, the original deadline established in the Resolution 56/2024 remains in effect, which requires them to settle their inventories, goods in transit, and available products once the authorized time has expired.
The new resolution also modifies a key section of the previous regulations and makes it clear that micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes), cooperatives, and self-employed workers who produce their goods can sell them both wholesale and retail, provided they have the corresponding license that specifies this.
In addition, the provincial and municipal offices of Commerce, as well as the departments of Marketing and Inspection, are responsible for ensuring compliance with the provisions of this regulation.
Once the evaluation of these companies is complete, a decision will be made on who may continue with wholesale trading, and the corporate purposes and inventories of those who do not receive authorization will be updated.
Finally, it is reaffirmed that those licensed for retail can continue selling products and providing services to both the population and state and private entities, without these changes affecting them.
In December of last year, the Cuban regime dealt a new blow to private enterprise: Official Gazette No. 119 published Resolution 56 from MINCIN, which automatically canceled the wholesale trade licenses for small and medium-sized enterprises and private cooperatives that had that activity as secondary.
The regulation, signed by Minister Betsy Díaz Velázquez, would come into effect on December 5, with the argument of “organizing” wholesale and retail trade within the non-state sector.
At that moment, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero justified the measure, claiming that it was not about banning, but rather about “reorganizing” wholesale and retail trade in the private sector.
During his speech before the National Assembly, Marrero assured that the intention was to correct deviations in the functioning of some small and medium enterprises.
According to what was explained, several of these companies had been approved with a specific social purpose but ended up mainly engaging in the import and mass sale of goods on the streets, through containers, instead of fulfilling the objectives for which they were authorized.
In April, the government announced through its official account on X that self-employed workers, initially authorized to sell domestic or imported products in bulk, were in the process of liquidating the goods in transit and those already available in the marketplace, as required by current regulations.
On the other hand, the regime extended until September 30 the deadline for private micro, small and medium enterprises (mipymes) and non-agricultural cooperatives (CNA) whose main activity was wholesale marketing to confirm that they will continue to engage in this activity, but with the mandatory participation of state entities.
Resolution 56 from the MINCIN in 2024 initially granted a period of 90 days for these non-agricultural businesses and cooperatives, if they expressed their willingness to continue engaging in wholesale trade, to update their business license.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Mipymes and Wholesale Trade in Cuba
What changes does Resolution 18/2025 introduce for micro, small, and medium enterprises and cooperatives in Cuba?
Resolution 18/2025 extends the deadlines for private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and non-agricultural cooperatives to continue engaging in wholesale trade, but this extension will only remain in effect until an evaluation of its economic and social impact is completed. This regulation does not apply to self-employed workers, who must adhere to the original deadlines for liquidating inventory.
Why has the Cuban government decided to extend the deadlines for wholesale trade?
The government has extended the deadlines to assess how micro, small and medium enterprises (mipymes) and cooperatives impact the economy and society in Cuba. The measure aims to determine who will be allowed to continue with wholesale trade after the evaluation, based on national policies. This decision reflects a strategy to more closely monitor the economic activity of the private sector.
How does this resolution affect self-employed workers in Cuba?
The extension of deadlines does not apply to self-employed workers, who must adhere to the original deadline for settling their inventories according to Resolution 56/2024. This distinction underscores the government's intention to limit the expansion of the independent private sector in wholesale trade.
What does it mean for micro, small, and medium enterprises to continue in wholesale trade after the evaluation?
To continue in wholesale trade, micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes) must comply with the updates to their licenses and possibly establish partnerships with state entities. The outcome of the evaluation will determine which mipymes can continue operating in this area, based on the country's political decisions.
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