Following his January 29 executive order declaring a national emergency over the Cuban regime, President Donald Trump threatened on January 30 to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, intensifying U.S. efforts amid the island's dire energy crisis.
U.S. President Donald Trump, one day after signing an executive order authorizing tariffs on oil suppliers to Cuba, reiterated the threat on Thursday, stating to reporters, “I think Cuba will not be able to survive.” This builds on the national emergency declaration citing Cuba's threats to U.S. security, including support for terrorists and hosting Russian intelligence operations.
The Financial Times reports Cuba has only 15 to 20 days of oil reserves left, exacerbating blackouts affecting over half the island. The measures target key suppliers like Mexico, which has provided vital shipments despite Venezuela's cutoff.
No responses yet from Cuba or Mexico, but the escalation underscores strained U.S.-Cuba ties and potential ripple effects on regional energy markets. This follows prior Trump actions reversing Obama-era policies and recent Venezuela intervention.
