Fri, 30 Jan 2026

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 Trump threatens tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba

Cuba was previously importing about 35,000 barrels of oil a day from long-time ally Venezuela.

* US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba.
* The proposed new levies were outlined in an executive order, but no details were given on specific tariff rates or which countries could be targeted.
* Trump has repeatedly threatened action against Cuba and its communist leadership.
* Venezuela, a long-time ally of the US, is no longer sending oil or money to Cuba after President Nicolás Maduro was seized by US forces.
* The tariffs may target countries that "directly or indirectly sell or otherwise provide any oil to Cuba".
* Trump has accused Havana of hosting "dangerous adversaries of the United States" and said the policies of the Cuban government constitute an "unusual and extraordinary threat".
* The tactic of confiscating sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers has already worsened a fuel and electricity crisis in Cuba.
* Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez says the country has the right to import fuel from any willing exporter without US interference.
  >>