Trump Orders Tariffs on Countries Selling Oil to Cuba, Citing National Emergency

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, January 28th, 2026, initiating a process to impose tariffs on goods from countries selling oil to Cuba. The White House announced the move, which aims to increase pressure on the Communist government, declaring a national emergency. The order authorizes the US secretaries of state and commerce to assess tariffs against nations providing oil to Cuba.

According to the White House, the national emergency order aims to counteract the "unusual and extraordinary threat" to the United States from Cuba's "ties to hostile powers." The order's text does not specify tariff rates for violating the new policy, which is aimed at restricting Cuba's access to oil.

The move comes as part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to undermine the Cuban government. Previous actions by the White House include increased sanctions on Cuban officials and businesses, as well as efforts to support dissident groups on the island.

The executive order represents a significant escalation in the US stance towards Cuba, which has been a source of tension between the two countries for decades. The United States maintains that Cuba's close ties to countries like Russia and Venezuela pose a threat to US security.

Cuba currently imports most of its oil from Venezuela, which has been plagued by economic instability and political unrest. In recent years, Cuba has also sought to diversify its oil sources, signing deals with Russia's Rosneft and Algeria's Sonatrach.

The new policy is likely to face criticism from those who argue that economic sanctions against Cuba have not brought about democratic change on the island. Critics argue that such measures only serve to harm ordinary Cubans, who rely on imports for essential goods.

The US embargo against Cuba, which has been in place since 1960, has long been a source of tension between the two countries. The embargo, which restricts US trade and travel to Cuba, has been eased in recent years under the Obama administration. However, President Trump has taken a more hardline stance towards the island nation.

The impact of the new policy remains to be seen. Cuba has not yet responded to the executive order, and it is unclear how other countries will react. Some experts predict that the move could lead to increased tensions between the United States and countries like Russia and Venezuela, which have close ties to Cuba.

In conclusion, President Trump's executive order represents a significant escalation in US efforts to pressure the Cuban government. The move to impose tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba is likely to face criticism, and its ultimate impact remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: the US-Cuba relationship remains a source of tension, and this latest move is likely to further complicate matters.

SOURCES:

• White House. (2026, January 28). Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba. [online] Available at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/addressing-threats-to-the-united-states-by-the-government-of-cuba/
• The Guardian. (2026, January 29). Trump threatens tariffs on goods from countries that sell oil to Cuba. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/29/trump-tariffs-cuba-oil
• Reuters. (2026, January 28). U.S. to impose tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba, White House says. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/us-to-impose-tariffs-on-countries-selling-oil-to-cuba-white-house-says-2026-01-28/