In a sweeping escalation of U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba, President Donald Trump has signed a controversial executive order threatening tariffs on any country that supplies oil to the island nation, a move that dramatically intensifies economic pressure amid Cuba’s worst energy crisis in decades. The directive, framed by the White House as a national security measure, does not yet spell out specific tariff rates or targeted countries, but its implications are reverberating across the Western Hemisphere and beyond.
The executive order, signed on January 29–30, 2026, declares Cuba an “extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and foreign policy, empowering the U.S. to impose tariffs on goods from countries that export oil to Havana. Officials have left tariff details and targeted nations to be determined by the U.S. secretaries of Commerce and State, setting the stage for broad and flexible enforcement.
Cuba’s dependence on imported oil has made the island particularly vulnerable. For decades, Havana’s energy lifeline came from Venezuela, but recent U.S. actions — including a military operation in Venezuela that removed Nicolás Maduro from power — have disrupted that supply. In the aftermath, Mexico emerged as Cuba’s primary oil supplier, though recent shipments have slowed amid diplomatic strains with Washington.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has described the suspension of oil exports as a sovereign decision, not directly driven by U.S. pressure, stressing that humanitarian support remains a priority. However, the tariff threat has put additional strain on Mexico’s position, forcing it to navigate between solidarity with Cuba and its strategic relationship with the United States.
The Cuban government sharply condemned Trump’s announcement, calling it a “brutal act of aggression” and accusing the U.S. of coercion and blackmail. Cuban officials say the move aims to isolate Cuba economically and undermine its sovereignty, with critics warning that the policy could deepen hardship for ordinary citizens already struggling with power outages, food and medicine shortages, and long gasoline lines.
The timing of the tariff threat reflects broader U.S. objectives to squeeze Cuba economically while reshaping regional alliances. The White House has framed its actions within the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — the same legal authority it used in other recent tariff decisions — citing national security concerns and Cuba’s alleged alignment with nations and groups that Washington considers hostile.
Although the order stops short of naming specific countries, global energy and diplomatic watchers are closely monitoring how it might affect major oil suppliers and broader trade flows. Any nation that continues or resumes oil deliveries to Cuba could find itself subject to the new tariffs, potentially reshaping bilateral relations and energy cooperation in the region.
Economic analysts warn that the tariff threats could exacerbate Cuba’s already dire economic situation. Cuba has only weeks’ worth of fuel reserves, and further disruptions in oil supply could intensify blackouts, cripple public services, and fuel further migration from the island. The U.S. move comes in the context of long-standing trade embargoes and sanctions against Cuba — the most enduring economic pressure campaign in U.S. history — but represents a new front in applying extraterritorial economic leverage.
Regional reactions have been mixed. While some governments reaffirm their commitment to humanitarian support for Cuba, others are cautious about antagonizing Washington as the tariff policy unfolds. Mexico’s balancing act reflects this tension, as it seeks to maintain goodwill with Cuba without jeopardizing broader trade and security cooperation with the United States.
As the situation evolves, international organizations and trade partners will likely assess the broader implications for global energy markets and diplomatic relations. The tariff threat could also spur debates about the legality and humanitarian impact of economic sanctions, particularly if they result in deeper socioeconomic distress on the island.
For now, Trump’s latest executive order marks a significant escalation in U.S. pressure on Cuba, with potential ripple effects for regional politics, energy security, and international trade norms. The world watches as Havana, its neighbors, and global capitals react to a policy that could reshape energy diplomacy in the Americas.
