On January 29, 2026, the U.S. administration issued a significant executive order titled “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba,” expanding the policy framework for economic pressure on Cuba by linking it to national security and trade measures. The order declares Cuba’s government an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and foreign policy and invokes authorities under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act to respond.
A key innovation in this directive is the establishment of a tariff regime that empowers the U.S. to impose additional duties on products imported from any foreign country that “directly or indirectly” sells or supplies oil to Cuba. This mechanism effectively extends economic leverage beyond Cuba itself to third-party states engaged in energy trade with the island, aiming to further isolate Havana’s access to essential fuels.
The administration frames this approach as a lawful and necessary step to counter Cuba’s alleged support for hostile actors and intelligence activities, and during communications about the order, it highlighted concerns regarding Cuba’s regional activities and alliances.
This development marks a noteworthy evolution in U.S. foreign policy tools — blending national security, trade policy, and sanctions strategy — and signals potential implications for global energy markets and diplomatic relations with countries that have been supplying oil to Cuba.
Kindly refer to the following executive order issued by The White House:
Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba – The White House