US President Donald Trump has warned that his administration may raise tariffs on countries that continue to supply oil to Cuba. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said nations providing oil to Cuba could face higher customs duties.
He did not specify which countries would be targeted or what tariff rates might be applied, according to international news agency Reuters.
Cuba’s Oil Supply and US Sanctions
Cuba has primarily relied on oil supplies from Venezuela, while Russia and Mexico have also been among its oil suppliers. Venezuela’s ability to provide oil to Cuba has declined in recent years as the country has faced a prolonged economic crisis and falling oil production.
Trump has repeatedly criticised the governments of both Venezuela and Cuba, arguing that Havana depends heavily on energy and financial assistance from Caracas. The United States has imposed wide-ranging sanctions on Venezuela and has maintained a long-standing economic embargo against Cuba, measures that have contributed to economic pressure on both countries.
Economic Impact and Political Context
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose family emigrated from Cuba, has long taken a hard-line position against Cuba’s communist leadership. For years, Venezuela helped support Cuba’s economy by supplying oil at preferential terms, helping offset the impact of US sanctions.
However, as Venezuela’s own economic and energy production problems deepened, that support was significantly reduced. As a result, Cuba’s economy has faced increasing strain, with energy shortages adding to existing financial difficulties. Analysts say continued disruption to oil supplies could further worsen the situation.
