Washington, August 11 (RHC-EFE) -- Exports of food products from the U.S. to Cuba dropped 37 percent in the first six months of 2015, despite the restoration of diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington, a new report by the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council said.

The total value of U.S. exports to the island in the first half of 2015 was roughly $119 million. Topping the list of food exports was frozen chicken with 50 percent, followed by soybean oil with 25 percent and soy flour with 9 percent.

The council noted that one reason for the decline has been the strengthening of Cuba's trade relations with China, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Mexico and Canada.

Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will travel next month to Cuba, making him the first U.S. governor to visit the island since diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba were restored in July.

Arkansas is one of the leading states exporting farm products to Cuba, mainly chicken, and now seeks to boost its rice sales to the Caribbean island.