Trump warns of tariffs on countries exporting oil to Cuba

Trump Imposes Tariffs on Oil Goods to Cuba

On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order to impose tariffs on goods from countries that export or supply oil to Cuba. This decision is expected to deepen the energy crisis the country is already facing.

This move is likely to put considerable pressure on Mexico, which has been Cuba’s main oil supplier. Mexico’s government has historically aligned itself with the U.S., and President Claudia Sheinbaum is looking to strengthen ties with Trump despite this new challenge.

Reporters asked Trump if he was trying to “stop” Cuba, which he labeled a “failed nation.” In response, he said, “The word ‘asphyxia’ is a very harsh word. I’m not trying to do that, but it looks like I’m not going to survive.”

After a phone conversation with Sheinbaum, Trump was given no details about their discussion regarding Cuba. Sheinbaum stated they did not address the issue and mentioned that Mexico’s foreign secretary had emphasized the importance of maintaining humanitarian aid to Cuba. Additionally, he suggested Mexico could mediate between the U.S. and Cuba.

Speculation has arisen that Mexico might reduce its oil shipments to Cuba following rising pressure from Trump for Mexico to distance itself from the Cuban government.

As Cuba grapples with an escalating energy and economic crisis, primarily due to strict U.S. sanctions, it has relied significantly on foreign oil supplies from Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela—especially until a recent military operation led to the ousting of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro.

Trump has claimed that Venezuelan oil has ceased flowing to Cuba, leading him to assert that the Cuban government is on the verge of collapse.

According to Mexico’s state oil company, Pemex, they delivered nearly 20,000 barrels of oil each day to Cuba between January and late September 2025. However, this figure has since plummeted to around 7,000 barrels, as indicated by Jorge Piñon, an expert from the University of Texas who monitors shipments using satellite technology.

Sheinbaum has been vague about Mexico’s stance, providing ambiguous responses regarding oil shipments and sidestepping questions from reporters. He noted that some shipments had been temporarily halted but framed it as a matter of “general fluctuations” and asserted it was a “sovereign decision” not influenced by U.S. pressure.

Sheinbaum reiterated Mexico’s solidarity with Cuba but did not specify what kind of assistance would be provided. Meanwhile, Latin American leaders have asserted that Mexico never committed to a total suspension of oil shipments, stressing that humanitarian aid would continue and decisions would depend on Pemex’s contracts.

The unclear leadership on this matter highlights the mounting pressure on Mexico and other Latin American nations, particularly as Trump adopts a more confrontational approach post-Venezuela operation.

The implications of Trump’s new order remain uncertain for Cuba, a nation long affected by crises and U.S. sanctions. Tension has escalated as motorists in Cuba face long waits for gas, uncertain of what’s to come.