Accra: Mexico has issued a warning about a potential large-scale humanitarian crisis in Cuba, following a threat from the United States to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to the socialist Caribbean island.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concerns that the operation of hospitals, food supplies, and other essential services in Cuba could be severely affected. She emphasized that the Cuban population is already facing significant challenges.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on countries that send oil to Cuba, with Mexico being one of the largest suppliers to the island, which is governed by the Communist Party. Mexico also holds the position as the most important trading partner of the United States.
The situation has intensified following the US military operation in Venezuela, a key ally of Cuba, which had led to an increase in Mexico's oil shipments to the island. President Sheinbaum, speaking in Tijuana near the California-Mexico border, stated that the Mexican government plans to contact US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to obtain further details on Trump's directive.
Sheinbaum articulated Mexico's stance, saying, "We do not want to put our country at risk in terms of tariffs." However, she also stressed that Mexico is keen to ensure there won't be a humanitarian crisis in Cuba.
Cuba attributes its economic difficulties to the United States. Media reports suggest that Mexico has already reduced oil deliveries to Cuba due to US pressure, although no official confirmation has been provided. The island frequently experiences blackouts due to its aging power grid and oil shortages, with power outages lasting 12 hours or more daily.
Cuba is currently enduring one of its most severe economic crises since the revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959.