The Trump administration has moved to tighten economic pressure on Cuba by authorising new punitive tariffs on imports from countries that supply oil to the island, citing national security concerns and alleged ties between Havana, US adversaries, and terrorist groups.
US President Donald Trump signed a new executive order titled “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba” on 29 January 2026. The order establishes a formal mechanism that would allow the US to impose additional ad valorem tariffs on imported goods from countries that directly or indirectly sell or supply oil to Cuba.
The move is aimed at discouraging foreign governments and companies from supporting Cuba’s energy sector.
In this executive order, the Trump Administration asserts that Cuba collaborates with hostile nations and terrorist organisations to undermine the US and destabilise the Western Hemisphere. To combat these threats, the administration is establishing a punitive tariff system targeting any third-party country that provides oil to Cuba.
The Cuban regime is accused of supporting and aligning with US adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran. Cuba is also cited for welcoming and creating a safe environment for transnational terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah to build ties and destabilise the Western Hemisphere.
The executive order instructs various federal agencies to monitor global petroleum sales and recommend specific tax rates to hold the regime and its suppliers accountable. Ultimately, the order seeks to prioritise American national security while pressuring the Cuban leadership to adopt democratic reforms and respect human rights.
The Secretary of Commerce is responsible for identifying countries providing oil to Cuba, while the Secretary of State, in consultation with other agencies, recommends the extent of the tariffs to the President for final determination.
The order became effective on 30 January 2026.
