Overview
- President Trump’s January 29 executive order declares a national emergency and, under IEEPA, creates a process to impose additional ad valorem tariffs on goods from countries that directly or indirectly provide oil to Cuba.
- No tariffs have been imposed yet as Commerce identifies supplier countries and State, Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security, and USTR prepare recommendations for the president.
- Mexico, a recent supplier, says it will send humanitarian aid consisting of other essential products and seek a diplomatic solution, as PEMEX shipments pause and exposure to U.S. trade is weighed.
- Trump said on February 3 that the United States is in talks with “the highest people in Cuba,” even as the Supreme Court reviews presidential tariff authority under IEEPA and Congress considers how to respond.
- Humanitarian groups warn of severe energy and public‑service impacts, with reports late in January that Cuba had only 15–20 days of oil remaining after Venezuelan deliveries effectively ceased.