Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Artisanal Charcoal to Become 1st Cuban Export to US

by Associated Press

   HAVANA --

   Artisanal charcoal will become the first legal Cuban export to the U.S.
   in recent history this month under a new deal between the Cuban
   government and the former lawyer for imprisoned U.S. government
   contractor Alan Gross.

   Attorney Scott Gilbert has sought to build economic ties between the
   two countries since Gross' release. He said Thursday that a company he
   founded will buy 80 tons of charcoal made from the invasive woody plant
   marabu. The charcoal is produced by worker-owned cooperatives across
   Cuba and has become an increasingly profitable export valued for its
   clean-burning properties often used in pizza and bread ovens.
   Gilbert's company will pay $420 a ton, significantly above the market
   price. The first delivery is scheduled for Jan. 18, two days before the
   inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.