netal. Cuba has been unabl.e to use this process, which j's currently lhe least expensive, because it was designed and marketed by unlon carbide of the united States. Moreover, Cuban stainless steel production has had to be sent lo distant fiarkets, trieh a conseguent increase in the cost of the finished product, becase of current restrictions in ,the United States narket, which is one of the ltorld's major lmporters of this commodity. Tourism 81. During lhe five-year period 1955-1959, Cuba nas the leading tourist destinalion of the Caribbean' In that tlme tbe country received more than 1 million touristsr 88 per cent of theft from llorth America. After the triumph of the cuban Revolution, flights to Havana began to be suspended because of the blockades imposed by the Government of the united states' ltith a consequent effect on Ehe country's balance of payments. Tbe bloackade also resulted in the virtual elimination of the lior th American tourist flow to Cuba in the years follorring 1959. 42. tha t tre reIt was not until 1977. under the restrictions Prohlbi ting 1ifts€d, r{ith tbe result thatthe administration of President Jimmy Carter, United states citizens from travelling to cuba numbers beqan to rige, someehat thereafter. 83, In 1981, the Reagan admi.nislration re-imposed re6!ridtions on tourists tdishing to vacation in cuba, and American Airways charter flights' which used to provide a direct daily connection betseen the two countries, were prohibited. as were business and tourist trips. includlng the use of credit cards and cash for the payment of travel and living expenses in cuba, also ln accordance with a rulinq by the Departnent of the Treasury. 84. The recrudescence of this policy has been reflected more recently in the action taken agains! the united states travel agency' I'larazul' nhich used to deal
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the economic development of Cuba, specifically the impact of US restrictions on the country's ability to produce and export goods, including stainless steel. The text also touches on the effects of these restrictions on Cuba's tourism industry, which was previously a significant source of revenue. The text provides specific examples of policies and events that have affected Cuba's economy, suggesting that economic development is the primary focus.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade