Background on Key Figures and Context
Miguel Díaz-Canel, the President of Cuba, asserted on Friday that the threat of tariffs from Trump against countries selling oil to Havana aims to “strangle” the Cuban economy. The situation has led to long queues for gasoline and power outlasting 10 hours in Cuba’s capital.
Donald Trump, the U.S. President, issued a decree on Thursday threatening tariffs to countries selling oil to Cuba. He claims that Cuba poses an “exceptional threat” to U.S. national security. This announcement has caused concern among the Cuban population.
Jorge Rodríguez, a 60-year-old computer specialist in Havana, expressed his worry to AFP: “This will directly affect the life of a Cuban, sooner or later, it’s going to influence. We need to sit down and negotiate with Trump.”
Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American from Florida and the U.S. Secretary of State, is known for his desire to see a change in the Cuban regime. Díaz-Canel’s statement was a clear reference to Rubio, accusing him of being part of a “fascist, criminal, and genocidal regime” that has hijacked U.S. interests for personal gain.
International Reactions
China also protested against Trump’s tariff threat. Guo Jiakun, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated that China “firmly supports Cuba in defending its national sovereignty and security and rejecting external interference.”
“China strongly opposes measures that deprive the Cuban people of their right to subsistence and development,” added Guo.
Cuba’s Ongoing Economic Challenges
This decree adds to the pressure on Cuba, which is facing a severe economic crisis and struggles to meet its fuel and electricity needs.
On Friday morning, many Cubans were unaware of the U.S. threats due to power outages affecting internet and media access.
The decree’s basis is a declared “state of emergency” concerning Cuba’s “exceptional threat” to U.S. national security.
Washington criticizes Cuban authorities for “aligning and supporting numerous countries, international terrorist organizations, and hostile actors to the U.S., including Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.”
Cuba is also accused of destabilizing the region through immigration and violence while propagating communist ideas, programs, and practices.
Mexico’s Role
Although the decree does not specify which countries will be penalized with tariffs, Mexico remains a significant oil supplier to Cuba in the region.
Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s President, stated that “Mexico will continue to be solidary” with Cuba. Mexico’s decision to sell or provide oil to Cuba for humanitarian reasons is a sovereign decision that has been ongoing for years.
From January to September 2025, Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Pemex, exported 17,200 barrels of crude oil and 2,000 barrels of derivatives daily to Cuba, totaling $400 million, according to official data.
Previous U.S. Actions Against Cuba
Earlier in January, Trump had threatened the Cuban government, stating “!NO MORE OIL NOR MONEY FOR CUBA: ZERO!” a week after the surprise capture of Venezolan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces.
Trump took control of Venezuela’s oil sector, Cuba’s primary oil supplier for the past four decades, following Maduro’s capture.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the issue? The U.S. has imposed tariff threats on countries supplying oil to Cuba, causing economic strain and long queues for gasoline.
- Who are the key figures? Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba; Donald Trump, U.S. President; Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State; Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico.
- What is China’s stance? China supports Cuba’s sovereignty and rejects external interference regarding the U.S. tariff threats.
- How does this affect Cuba’s economy? Cuba faces severe economic challenges, including difficulties in meeting fuel and electricity needs.
- What is Mexico’s role? Mexico continues to supply oil to Cuba, viewing it as a sovereign decision based on humanitarian reasons.
