Cuba's Communist Party signed off on a package of economic reforms during a June 17 extraordinary plenary session, though officials said the reforms "in no way constitute a deviation from the socialist project," DW reported on June 18. Authorities have released the following themes for the changes: allowing new actors to operate in the tourism sector; promoting foreign direct investment; expanding the private sector; revitalizing key sectors, including agriculture, trade and real estate; and decentralizing decision-making by granting more autonomy to state-owned companies.

Cuba has been experiencing significant economic challenges for decades, but conditions have deteriorated in recent months as the United States under President Donald Trump has increased pressure on the island. Among other things, the United States has blocked fuel deliveries to the island, significantly worsening electrical grid challenges and creating shortages of basic necessities.