US imposes new sanctions on Cuba tourism ministry, state-owned companies
Summary
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism and two state-owned companies amid rising tensions. These sanctions require related businesses to end contracts by August 12, and follow a May order allowing the U.S. to freeze assets linked to Cuba’s government or economy.Key Facts
- The U.S. sanctioned Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism, Grupo Empresarial de Transporte Maritimo Portuario (GEMAR), and Grupo Empresarial del Comercio Exterior (GECOMEX).
- Companies and banks working with these Cuban entities must end contracts by August 12 to avoid sanctions.
- The sanctions build on an executive order from May targeting assets connected to Cuba’s government or economy.
- UN Ambassador Mike Waltz called Cuba a national security threat and accused Russia and China of spying at U.S. military bases in Cuba.
- Cuba faces power outages due to a U.S. oil blockade imposed after the U.S. took Venezuelan President Maduro from Venezuela.
- Mexico stopped sending oil to Cuba because of U.S. pressure.
- Cuba’s Foreign Minister called the sanctions collective punishment and said U.S. embargoes caused $8 billion in damage between March 2025 and February 2026.
- The sanctions add to existing economic difficulties in Cuba, including electricity blackouts affecting millions.
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