Wednesday marks another significant step in the thawing of U.S. Cuba relations. For the first time in decades, U.S. firms can begin offering their Cuban customers credit.

The easing of financial restrictions is consistent with the Administration’s goal to improve the lives of ordinary Cuban citizens.

Attorney Gus Maxwell, with the Ackerman law firm in Miami, said lifting further financial restrictions will help make trade more normal.

“All these kinds of things are slowly but surely undoing 50 years of a restrictive policy,” he said.

U.S. exports to Cuba last year reached $175 million by the end of November.

Analysts predict with the greater availability of credit to Cuban customers, that figure could shoot up.

Lawyer Janet Kim with Baker & McKenzie said in particular the telecommunication, financial services and healthcare industries will likely profit. 

“For the other industries it’s a bit tougher right now, because you have to go in for specific advance approval from the U.S. government,” she said.

Kim said the Obama Administration can only relax so many restrictions on its own.

To really return to normal relations — including travel — Congress and the Executive Branch must work together.