US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday declaring a national emergency over Cuba and allowing tariffs to be imposed on countries that sell oil to the island, increasing pressure on Havana and its allies amid growing regional tension.

The measure reinforces pressure on Havana and its allies in a context of high regional tension.

The order allows the United States to establish a system of additional tariffs on imports from any country that directly or indirectly sells or supplies oil to Cuba.

Trump justified the measure by claiming that the actions of the Cuban government represent an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and foreign policy.

The text assigns the Secretary of Commerce the task of identifying the countries that supply oil to the island, while the Secretary of State is responsible for deciding whether and at what rate tariffs should be applied, thus providing a clear operational framework for the implementation of the measure.

Justification for the measure

Trump argued that the Cuban government has adopted policies that “harm and threaten” the United States, including alleged ties to actors considered hostile, such as Russia, China, and Iran, as well as to transnational terrorist groups.

He also emphasized that Cuba maintains repressive practices against the opposition and limits freedom of expression for its population, which reinforces the decision to declare a state of emergency. national.

The order is based on federal laws that empower the president to adopt extraordinary economic measures when a significant threat affects national security, consolidating a solid legal framework for the implementation of the tariffs.

Potential Impact

The measure seeks to pressure third countries that maintain energy relations with Cuba and could generate diplomatic and commercial repercussions beyond the island. It comes at a time when Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis,stemming from reduced supplies from Venezuela and other providers, which exacerbates the internal fuel shortage. Analysts point out that the order not only affects the Cuban economy but also seeks to discourage external support for the regime, forcing other countries to reconsider their energy relations with Havana. The actual scope of the tariffs will depend on future technical assessments and decisions by the US administration.