Trump Threatens Tariffs on Countries Supplying Cuba With Much-Needed Oil
Former US president Donald Trump has warned that countries supplying oil to Cuba could face punitive tariffs, escalating pressure on Havana and raising concerns about wider economic and diplomatic fallout across the region.
In remarks that underscored his hardline stance on Cuba, Trump said the United States would consider imposing tariffs or other trade penalties on nations that help sustain the island’s energy supplies. Cuba relies heavily on imported oil to keep its power grid, transport system, and key industries running, making any disruption potentially severe for an economy already under strain.
The warning signals a possible return to the “maximum pressure” approach pursued during Trump’s first term, when Washington tightened sanctions on Cuba and targeted foreign entities accused of supporting the country’s energy sector. Trump framed the issue as one of national security and regional stability, arguing that oil shipments help prop up a government he has long criticized.
Cuban officials reacted cautiously, with state media condemning the remarks as economic coercion and warning that further restrictions would worsen humanitarian conditions. Cuba has faced repeated power outages in recent years, driven by fuel shortages, aging infrastructure, and limited access to international financing.
Analysts say the threat of tariffs could complicate relations between the United States and countries that maintain commercial or strategic ties with Cuba, including some in Latin America and beyond. “Using tariffs as leverage against third countries adds another layer of uncertainty for global trade,” said one regional analyst, noting that energy markets are already sensitive to geopolitical risk.
The Biden administration has not commented directly on Trump’s remarks, but current US policy maintains many sanctions on Cuba while allowing limited exceptions. Trump’s statement comes as he continues to outline foreign policy positions ahead of the election campaign, signaling to supporters that he would revive tougher measures if returned to office.
Markets showed limited immediate reaction, but experts warn that any concrete move to impose tariffs could affect shipping, energy contracts, and regional diplomacy.
As tensions simmer, the episode highlights how Cuba remains a flashpoint in US politics, with energy supply once again at the center of a broader geopolitical contest.
