An interesting historical note is that Nestle has survived and prospered despite American sanctions against it. Nestle products were widely available in Cuba when I visited - about the only ice cream novelties that were available. That's why you will not see Smarties in an American store.
However, this may soon be a moot discussion, based on what China does next.
"China will support Cuba “in the best way possible” as the island grapples with an energy crisis following tougher measures imposed by US President Donald Trump’s administration, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday."
Apparently, China is very eager to replace the Russian influence in Cuba with a Chinese influence.
It would be ironic, and perhaps even strategic, if Canada were to team up with China in a humanitarian effort to divert oil to Cuba. Canadian oil shipped to Cuba under a Chinese navy escort? Wouldn't that shake up the 'New World Order"!!!!!!!
The Law of Unintended Consequences - the more America tries to push its weight around in Latin American countries, the more he pushes them towards China.
And while these two hegemons battle it out, Canada, as a middle power, skates right down the middle and scores. The opportunities and openings for Canada have never been greater.
The New World Order. It's not just about creating a trading bloc of 1.5 billion people. it is about creating a trading bloc of 1.5 billion people who are at the same standard of living as the average American. (And that does not even include the Indian or Chinese market). It is that last bit - the fact that the standard of living of 'the rest of the world' is now equivalent to the average American standard of living, PPP. America just has not got the memo - Americans are no longer the ONLY middle-income consumers, there are now billions of people in the world that are at the same level as the average American, in spending power PPP. In the last three decades or so, America has shifted from 'the ONLY market' to 'just a part of the global market'.