7 months ago
Trump Imposes Tariffs on Cuba Oil Suppliers
President Trump signed an order to put tariffs on countries that send oil to Cuba.
He said Cuba is a threat to the US because it supports bad actors and terrorism.
The main target is Mexico, which sends a lot of oil to Cuba.
Mexico's president said they will try to find a way to help Cuba without getting tariffs.
Cuba said the tariffs are a big threat and could cause a crisis.
Venezuela, which used to send oil to Cuba, said the US is breaking international law.
India is not a big oil supplier to Cuba, so it's not directly affected.
India mostly sends medicines and chemicals to Cuba.
Trump's order is part of his 'America First' policy, which focuses on protecting the US.
The order gives US officials the power to enforce these new tariffs.
Cuba has been having trouble getting enough oil, which has caused power outages.
Trump also stopped oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba.
US President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.
The move is aimed at protecting US national security and foreign policy interests from Cuba's alleged 'malign actions and policies'.
Mexico is the primary target as it has become Cuba's largest oil supplier, exporting 20,100 barrels per day of crude and 2,700 bpd of oil products to Cuba in 2024.
Mexico will seek diplomatic solutions and alternatives to help Cuba, emphasizing the humanitarian risks of cutting off shipments.
Cuba's Foreign Minister declared an 'international emergency' in response to the US tariffs, which he said constitute an 'unusual and extraordinary threat'.
Venezuela, once Cuba's top supplier, has not sent crude or fuel to Cuba for about a month and expressed solidarity with Cuba, saying the US decree violated international law.
India is not a major oil supplier to Cuba and is not directly affected by the tariffs, with exports to Cuba in 2024 mainly consisting of pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, and small amounts of refined mineral oil products.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, Venezuelan Government
- What
- Signed an Executive Order imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba; Mexico seeks diplomatic solutions to avoid tariffs and support Cuba; Cuba declares an international emergency; Venezuela expresses solidarity with Cuba
- Where
- United States, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela
- When
- January 29, 2026 (Executive Order), January 30, 2026 (Mexico's response)
- Why
- To protect US national security and foreign policy interests from Cuba's 'malign actions and policies'; to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Cuba; to express solidarity with Cuba
US Government
Mexico and Cuba
Tariffs Justification
US Government
The tariffs are necessary to protect US national security and counter Cuba's alignment with adversarial nations and support for terrorism.
Mexico and Cuba
The tariffs are an unjustified and illegal threat to Cuba's sovereignty and could cause a humanitarian crisis.
Impact on Mexico
US Government
Mexico should comply with the tariffs to avoid damaging its economic relationship with the US.
Mexico and Cuba
Mexico should use diplomatic channels to avoid tariffs and continue supporting Cuba to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Concerns
US Government
The tariffs are a necessary measure to protect US interests, and any humanitarian impact is incidental.
Mexico and Cuba
Cutting off oil shipments to Cuba would trigger a far-reaching humanitarian crisis, affecting transportation, hospitals, and access to food.
Key facts
- Date
- January 29, 2026
- Primary Target
- Mexico
- Mexico's Oil Exports to Cuba (2024)
- 20,100 barrels per day of crude and 2,700 bpd of oil products
- Value of Mexico's Oil Exports to Cuba (2024)
- $600 million
- India's Exports to Cuba (2024)
- $12.32 million
- Main Indian Exports to Cuba
- Pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, mineral fuels and oils
- US Justification
- Cuba's alignment with adversarial nations and support for terrorism
- Trump's Policy Approach
- America First
- Authorities Enforcing Tariffs
- Secretary of State, Secretary of Commerce
- Act Invoked
- International Emergency Economic Powers Act
- Cuba's Oil Sources
- Venezuela (until recently), Mexico (currently)
- Cuba's Response
- Declared an 'international emergency' and called the tariffs an 'unusual and extraordinary threat'
- Venezuela's Response
- Expressed solidarity with Cuba and said the US decree violated international law
Timeline
Trump targets Cuba's oil imports, echoing Venezuela blockade.
Cuba's reliance on Venezuelan oil fuels Trump's move.
US military's 'quarantine' of Venezuelan oil sales precedes Cuba tariffs.
Trump's Cuba policy shift aims to oust Communist regime.
Mexico in Trump's crosshairs over Cuba oil shipments, 'terrorism' cited.
Quotes
Claudia Sheinbaum
President of Mexico
“"We will seek a way, without putting Mexico at risk, of course, but always seeking solidarity with the Cuban people."”
firstpost.com
“"Tariffs could directly affect hospitals, food supplies and other basic services for the Cuban people."”
firstpost.com
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez
President of Cuba
“"Trump sought to 'suffocate' the island's economy and that the tariffs revealed the 'fascist, criminal, and genocidal nature of a clique that has hijacked the interests of the American people for purely personal gain'."”
firstpost.com
Mike Hammer
US chargé d’affaires in Havana
“"The Cubans have complained for years about a 'blockade', but now there is going to be a real blockade."”
firstpost.com
Sources
Trump Threatens Tariffs on Nations Selling Oil To Cuba
Should India worry? Trump to impose tariffs on goods from nations supplying oil to Cuba
Trump threatens tariffs on countries that send oil to Cuba
US declares Cuba a national security threat, moves to penalise foreign oil suppliers; Mexico pauses shipments
Trump threatens tariffs on any nation supplying Cuba with oil
Donald Trump threatens tariffs on any nation supplying Cuba with oil
Trump signs executive order to impose tariffs on oil suppliers to Cuba
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening Tariffs on Nations Supplying Oil to Cuba
Trump To Impose Tariffs On Countries That Sell Oil To Cuba
Cuba stares at blackouts as Trump chokes oil supply
Mexico seeks to avoid US tariffs on states shipping oil to Cuba
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening Tariffs On Nations Supplying Oil To Cuba
Trump Is Now Threatening Tariffs On Nations Selling Oil To Cuba. Here's Why
Mexico's Sheinbaum warns Trump choking Cuba's oil supply could trigger 'humanitarian crisis' in Havana
