Trump threatens tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday establishing a new tariff regime aimed at countries that directly or indirectly sell or provide oil to Cuba, a measure Washington says is meant to address national security concerns and increase economic pressure on the island. The order declares a national emergency and authorizes U.S. officials to impose additional duties on imports from nations that continue to supply oil to Cuba.
The move is expected to put particular pressure on Mexico, which in recent years has been a major source of oil for Cuba as the Caribbean nation faces a severe energy crisis. Mexico’s state‑owned oil company, Pemex, previously shipped tens of thousands of barrels per day to Cuba, though that figure has dropped amid uncertainty and what Mexican officials say are routine supply fluctuations.
When asked whether his goal was to “choke off” Cuba’s oil supplies, President Trump said it was not his intention to cause undue harm but suggested the Cuban system might not survive without external energy support.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded to questions about the shipments with mixed messages. She confirmed some oil deliveries were paused, calling the decisions “sovereign” and related to supply conditions rather than direct U.S. pressure, and stressed Mexico’s intent to continue humanitarian aid. She also noted that Pemex’s contractual obligations determine when and how oil is sent.
Sheinbaum and Trump spoke by phone Thursday morning, though she said they did not discuss Cuba during their conversation. Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio did talk, with Mexican officials emphasizing the importance of maintaining humanitarian oil shipments.
The executive order comes amid ongoing speculation that Mexico might reduce or halt its oil shipments to Cuba as it navigates its relationship with both Havana and Washington. Cuba has long relied on foreign energy assistance, especially after Venezuelan oil shipments stopped following U.S. actions earlier this year.
Cuba is already experiencing long gasoline lines and growing concern among residents about future supplies. Cuban authorities have not yet responded publicly to the new U.S. tariff directive.
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