By The Associated Press

  A South Carolina trade delegation signed a deal with Cuba for the export of $10 million worth of the state’s agricultural products.

  The deal signed Thursday will mean new markets for South Carolina products ranging from wheat and paper to chickens, turkey and supermarket products.
  Both sides hope to expand trade to include more products.

  In return, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and state Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Sharpe agreed to urge the state’s congressional delegation to support lifting
  the trade embargo against the island nation of 11 million people.

  Three years ago, the United States loosened its 42-year-old embargo on trading with Cuba to allow shipments of food, agricultural goods and medicine.

  At least 34 states now export to Cuba, according to the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, a nonprofit group that provides research for U.S.
  businesses wanting to trade with Cuba.

  But the Bush administration opposes lifting completely the embargo against the communist nation.

  “Part of being a leader is doing what you feel is right,” said Bauer, a Republican. “I can only speak as a South Carolina official.”

  South Carolina’s congressional delegation is split down party lines on the embargo. Democrats supporting open trade while Republicans support the
  embargo.

  Under the deal, Cuba’s import agency, Alimport, will pursue contracts with South Carolina agricultural suppliers for $10 million worth of products.

  Sharpe called South Carolina contacts Thursday to get prices for the products in the agreement.

  Shipments could begin arriving in Cuba by spring.