Trump orders tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, escalating pressure on Mexico

    New U.S. tariff authority targets oil suppliers to Cuba amid energy crisis. Mexico pauses shipments, insists decision is independent amid diplomatic tension

    Tariff order seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to reinforce U.S. sanctions on the Cuban regime
    Tariff order seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to reinforce U.S. sanctions on the Cuban regime

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says decision to pause oil exports is sovereign, not due to U.S. pressure

    U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order authorizing tariffs on goods from any country that supplies oil to Cuba, a move aimed at tightening economic pressure on the island’s government and its external partners.

    The tariff order — issued under the authority of a declared national emergency — allows the Secretary of State and Commerce to craft tariff measures against countries that directly or indirectly provide crude oil or petroleum products to Cuba. The White House statement framed the step as necessary to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

    Though the order does not list specific countries or tariff rates, analysts widely interpret it as a targeted escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against Havana. The administration has long sought to isolate Cuba economically, particularly following its continued energy shortages and reliance on foreign supplies.

    Pressure on Mexico

    One immediate flashpoint is Mexico, historically one of Cuba’s key oil suppliers since shipments from Venezuela declined sharply. State-owned Pemex (Petróleos Mexicanos) exported nearly 20,000 barrels per day of crude and petroleum products to Cuba through much of 2025, part of a humanitarian and contractual arrangement as the island grappled with chronic shortages.

    Earlier this week, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that her government has temporarily paused oil shipments to Havana, but she insisted the decision was based on logistical and economic factors rather than U.S. pressure. “It is a sovereign decision,” she told reporters, emphasising Mexico’s autonomy in managing its energy exports.

    Despite her assurances, Mexico’s pause comes amid intensifying diplomatic scrutiny. U.S. officials have privately expressed expectations that regional governments align with the Trump administration’s broader stance on Cuba, even if such alignment is not publicly demanded.

    Cuba’s deepening energy woes

    Cuba’s energy crisis has worsened since traditional suppliers like Venezuela cut exports, resulting in frequent blackouts and rationing. With Mexico’s shipments reduced and alternative partners limited, the island’s fuel reserves are alarmingly low, according to recent energy data.

    The new tariff authority could further complicate relations between the United States and nations that have maintained energy ties with Cuba. Some Latin American governments, while critical of Washington’s embargo on Havana, are now navigating a complex diplomatic terrain where economic pressures intersect with regional politics.

    For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

    1 COMMENT

    1. The President of USA has violated all TEN commandments and hence country will have to suffer in future. Karma will haunt USA badly.
      a) blockage – USA states will get blocked for food
      b) regime change operations – USA states will redraw borders or realigng
      c) putting innocents in jail on fictituous visa charges, USA will face backlash of getting banned in future
      The list is long & too long

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    error: Content is protected !!