Could the US oil blockade snuff out the Cuban cigar?
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
The Trump administration's oil blockade on Cuba since January could threaten the Cuban cigar industry.
AI Summary
Since January, the Trump administration has blocked foreign oil shipments to Cuba. This action has created a crisis on the island, impacting its economy and infrastructure. The immediate consequence is a question regarding the survival of Cuba's renowned cigar industry, which relies on consistent resources. The blockade could severely disrupt the production and export of Cuban cigars, a significant cultural and economic product for the nation.
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Global Power Shifts
Tracking the changing dynamics of global power, including US-China competition, Russia's geopolitical moves, shifting alliances, NATO developments, and the emergence of new power blocs reshaping the international order.
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
GlobalWhat to Know About Trump's Feud With The U.K. Over North Sea Oil Drilling
Why Trump is criticizing U.K. energy policy and the climate impacts of North Sea oil drilling.
PoliticsTrump invokes Defense Production Act to boost oil, coal and energy infrastructure
President Trump on Monday invoked wartime authority under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to try to push for more oil, gas and coal. The DPA gives the president the authority to increase the production of certain items to advance national security. Trump this week issued five memos applying it to oil, coal, natural gas infrastructure and exports, electric grid equipment and “large-scale…
Government TransparencyUS probes suspicious oil trades made before Trump Iran pivots, source says - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiwwFBVV95cUxObEFvSkkyTHhwcFNwbTkyQW41S0hJRDFlZko1VTVEY09SNU1MYnFQYVczUXVHWk4zMnExT08yb0hYRi1GanB1azdIQ284NkpOLWlnLXpqa0NheWpILUxibzhCLXdWWW9RTlZTY2czdnotaUYwS3J5QjNJYWVQWF9aZzhrNU1YUTBjWU85SzB3TnAybDJhQzZnaGxzXzlnRmlMYnJLRFZUU3JDX3hWcDRNSlFxc3I1SEVXN2xXS0VwM0lxUGc?oc=5" target="_blank">US probes suspicious oil trades made before Trump Iran pivots, source says</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
GlobalTrump administration to lobby allies to support 'trade over aid' push
The Trump administration is pushing countries worldwide to back a "trade over aid" declaration at the UN, part of a broader effort to overhaul how Washington spends billions of dollars in foreign assistance. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyetade, Eric Pelofsky, Vice President of Global Economic Recovery at The Rockefeller Foundation, explains that the new policy runs counter to US national interests, traditions and values.
PoliticsScoop: DeSantis "begging" Trump for prime role in administration
<p><a href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_blank">President Trump</a> has told confidants that Florida Gov. <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/01/21/governor-desantis-claims-victory-on-public-education-in-florida" target="_blank">Ron DeSantis</a> is "begging" for a job in Trump's administration — including attorney general — Axios has learned.</p><ul><li>DeSantis also has expressed interest in being secretary of defense and even a spot on the U.S. Supreme Court, according to six sources briefed on the discussions.</li></ul><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>DeSantis has to leave office at the end of his second term in January and is "looking for what to do next," according to one source who said Trump is inclined to consider helping out his understudy-turned-rival-turned-friend.</p><hr><p><strong>Inside the room:</strong> DeSantis' future was on the menu after the two men had lunch at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami a week ago Sund...
GlobalU.S. Officials Visited Havana to Lay Out Proposals for Cuban Reforms
The delegation told Cuba’s leadership that it had only a narrow window of time to make the economic and political changes demanded by the Trump administration.
Trump extends US-Iran ceasefire indefinitely at request of Pakistan
<p>US president says on Truth Social attacks are on hold until Iran submits proposal and talks reach end </p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/21/iran-war-live-news-updates-trump-us-hormuz-oil-middle-east-talks">Middle East crisis – live updates</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email</a></p></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/donaldtrump">Donald Trump</a> announced in a social media post on Tuesday that he was indefinitely extending a ceasefire with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/iran">Iran</a> at the request of Pakistan, which has been mediating talks, until the country responded to the United States’ negotiating po...
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Report: Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug topped $200,000 a year under Trump
One in three Americans forced to make financial sacrifices for health coverage
Pope blasts ‘tyrants’ ravaging the Earth during his visit to Cameroon - AP News
Justice Jackson chides Supreme Court conservatives over 'oblivious' pro-Trump emergency orders - AP News
US Live Nation and Ticketmaster verdict triggers calls for Australian investigation into ticketing rules
