Market in the growth of the Cuba Sugar Industry in the 19 th Century

It was not until the 18th century that Cuba became a prosperous colony. Annual sugar production
grew from 14,000 tons in 1790 to over 34,000 tons in 1805. Cuba was opened to free trade with all
nations in 1818, leading to substantial commercial relations with the United States. During the
period 1838–80 the Cuban sugar industry became the most mechanized in the world. By 1850 the
sugar industry accounted for four-fifths of all exports, and in 1860 Cuba produced nearly one-third of
the world’s sugar. The phenomenal growth of the sugar industry propelled a new class of wealthy
plantation owners to political prominence. Mexican Indians and Chinese contract workers
augmented the labour force, Meanwhile, African slaves became more costly.