U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk said Cuba might buy some agricultural commodities, but is mostly too poor to be a good customer for the U.S. (Photo courtesy Facebook/Mark Kirk)

By Jim Anderson/Illinois Radio Network  
 
CHICAGO – U.S. Sen. Mark S. Kirk (R-Ill.) is not enthused about trade with Cuba.
 
Kirk said Cuba is as communist as ever, whereas China has made free-market reforms.

"Our exports from Illinois to China have been going up like 10, 15 percent a year," he said. "When you look at the politics of China, I would say it plays in Peoria. People in Peoria who are very linked to Caterpillar, they understand just how much Caterpillar winning contracts against a Komatsu in China are important to their future"
 
He also noted Cuba has a gross domestic product of $68 billion, whereas China’s is $9.2 trillion, so it's easier to stand on principle against Cuba. He said Cuba might buy some agricultural commodities, but is mostly too poor to be a good customer.
 
President Obama announced the reopening of diplomatic relations with Cuba, but lifting the 1960 trade embargo will require an act of Congress.