Washington(The COW News Digital)US President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, marking a significant escalation in Washington’s pressure campaign against the Cuban government. The move was formalized through an executive order signed by the president, outlining a framework to impose duties on goods imported from nations involved in providing energy supplies to Havana.
According to news agencies, the executive order authorizes US authorities to identify countries exporting oil to Cuba and apply tariffs on selected products as a punitive measure. The decision is aimed at restricting Cuba’s access to vital energy resources and increasing economic pressure on its leadership at a time when the island nation is already facing severe economic challenges.
President Trump has repeatedly taken a hard-line stance on Cuba, arguing that stronger measures are necessary to force political and economic reforms. In recent statements, he claimed that Cuba is on the verge of collapse and warned that its leadership must choose between negotiations with the United States or facing consequences similar to those experienced by Venezuela under international sanctions.
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The latest tariff announcement is seen by analysts as part of a broader strategy to isolate Cuba economically and diplomatically. By targeting third-party countries involved in oil exports, the US administration is extending the reach of its sanctions policy beyond bilateral relations, a move that could strain ties with other nations engaged in trade with Cuba.
Cuba’s leadership has responded sharply to the announcement. In a statement issued earlier, Cuban President warned that the country is fully prepared to defend itself against external pressure and aggression. He said that any hostile action would come at a high cost, emphasizing Cuba’s resolve to protect its sovereignty despite economic and political challenges.
Energy supplies are critical for Cuba, which relies heavily on imported oil to run power plants, transportation and key industries. Any disruption in oil imports could further exacerbate fuel shortages, electricity outages and economic hardship for ordinary citizens. Critics of the policy argue that such measures risk worsening humanitarian conditions rather than achieving political objectives.
Supporters of the US decision, however, contend that tougher economic measures are necessary to compel the Cuban government to change its policies. They argue that previous engagement efforts failed to deliver meaningful reforms and that sustained pressure is the only viable option.
International reaction to the announcement has been cautious, with some observers warning that secondary tariffs could provoke diplomatic disputes and potential retaliation. As the policy takes shape, attention will focus on how affected countries respond and whether the move leads to renewed negotiations or heightened tensions in the region.
