President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order authorizing tariffs on goods from any nation that sells or provides oil to Cuba, a step that could further strain the island amid a worsening energy crisis.
The measure mainly targets Mexico, which has been a critical oil supplier to Cuba and has maintained ties with the island despite efforts by President Claudia Sheinbaum to foster a strong relationship with Trump.
When asked if he intended to “choke off” Cuba, which he called a “failing nation,” Trump replied, “I’m not trying to, but it looks like it’s something that’s just not going to be able to survive.”
Trump and Sheinbaum spoke by phone Thursday morning, though Sheinbaum said Cuba was not discussed. She noted that Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary had told U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that continuing humanitarian aid to Cuba was important, and Mexico was ready to act as an intermediary between the U.S. and Havana.
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Speculation has grown this week that Mexico might reduce oil shipments under U.S. pressure. Cuba, facing an economic and energy crisis partly fueled by U.S. sanctions, has relied heavily on oil from allies such as Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela. Following a U.S. operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Trump announced no Venezuelan oil would be sent to Cuba.
Mexico’s state oil company, Pemex, reported shipping nearly 20,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba from January to September 2025, though experts tracking shipments via satellite say the amount has fallen to around 7,000 barrels.
Sheinbaum has provided ambiguous answers regarding the shipments. She said some deliveries had temporarily paused due to normal supply fluctuations, calling the decision “sovereign” and not influenced by the U.S., while maintaining that Mexico would continue supporting Cuba. She emphasized that contracts with Pemex largely determine shipment schedules.
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The uncertainty highlights the intense pressure on Mexico and other Latin American nations as Trump escalates his confrontational stance following the Venezuela operation. It remains unclear how the executive order will affect Cuba, where long gasoline lines and growing anxiety underscore the island’s ongoing crisis. Cuban authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment.