Trump signs executive order allowing tariffs on nations selling oil to Cuba

President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a mechanism to levy additional tariffs on imports from any country that "directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba." The measure frames Cuban policy and alliances as a threat to U.S. national security and delegates decisions on targets and timing to cabinet officials, while leaving tariff levels unspecified.

The executive order instructs the secretaries of Commerce, State, Treasury, Homeland Security and the U.S. Trade Representative to determine whether additional duties should be imposed. The order itself states: "Under this system, an additional ad valorem duty may be imposed on imports of goods that are products of a foreign country that directly or indirectly sells or otherwise provides any oil to Cuba." The President retains final authority to set any tariff rates.

Mexico is the immediate focus in practical terms because Mexican shipments stepped in after Venezuelan crude flows were interrupted. Venezuela had been sending roughly 35,000 barrels per day to Cuba before the disruption, and several reports link the U.S. pressure to events in Venezuela earlier this month. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has offered mixed public signals about shipments; she has both been reported as saying a shipment was halted and later clarified that Mexico is still sending oil to Cuba. Sheinbaum warned that tariffs aimed at countries supplying petroleum to Cuba "could unleash a far‑reaching humanitarian crisis, directly affecting hospitals, food supplies and other basic services for the Cuban people."

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the order as "a brutal act of aggression" and accused Washington of using falsehoods to portray Cuba as a threat, saying in part: "We denounce before the world this brutal act of aggression against Cuba and its people, who for more than 65 years have been subjected to the longest and cruellest economic blockade ever imposed on an entire nation." President Trump has signaled a belief that choking off outside oil and revenue will hasten economic collapse in Cuba, saying, "I think Cuba will not be able to survive" and earlier noting, "Now, they won't have that money coming in. They won't have the income coming in." He has also said Cuba "will be falling pretty soon."

Key uncertainties remain for communities in Cuba and for businesses that trade with Mexico. The executive order does not list specific countries, set tariff rates, or name a timetable for designations. Officials will need to complete analyses and make formal recommendations before any levies take effect. The White House described the order as effective immediately, but practical imposition of duties depends on further administrative steps.

What comes next matters day to day: monitor announcements from the Commerce, State, Treasury and Homeland Security departments and look for formal designations and rate decisions. Watch Mexico’s official statements on shipments and any diplomatic outreach between the two capitals. For people tracking fuel availability and humanitarian services in Cuba, the important near-term indicators are confirmed changes to tanker movements, hospital fuel allocations, and any emergency relief planning. The policy shift signals a fast-moving mix of trade pressure and geopolitics that will shape fuel flows and diplomatic ties in the region in the weeks ahead.