HAVANA: US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to impose new tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, stepping up pressure on the Communist-run island and long-time adversary of the United States.
The move, authorised through an executive order under a national emergency declaration, did not specify tariff rates or name the countries whose exports could be targeted.
Cuba’s state-run media swiftly condemned the announcement, warning that the measures could cripple electricity generation, agricultural output, water supply and health services, deepening the country’s already severe economic crisis.“What is the goal? A genocide of the Cuban people,” the Cuban government said in a statement broadcast on nightly state television. “All spheres of life will be suffocated by the US government.”
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened US pressure on Cuba, emboldened by the US military’s seizure of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a deadly raid earlier this month. Trump has repeatedly signalled tougher action against Havana and its leadership.
Earlier this week, Trump said that “Cuba will be failing pretty soon,” adding that Venezuela — once Cuba’s main oil supplier — has recently stopped sending oil and financial support to the island. Reuters reported last week that Mexico, now Cuba’s largest oil supplier after Venezuela halted shipments in December, is reviewing whether to continue exports amid concerns it could face US retaliation.
Trump has frequently used tariff threats as a foreign policy tool during his second term. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said this month that Washington has “no moral authority” to pressure Cuba into a deal, after Trump suggested Havana should reach an agreement with the United States “before it’s too late.”
