On Monday, Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, revealed that a fresh shipment of humanitarian aid is set to depart for Cuba. This marks at least the sixth such dispatch since February 2026, as she announced during her morning press conference held at the National Palace in Mexico City.
This development occurs amid increasing pressure from Washington on Havana, which includes expanded economic sanctions, an energy blockade nearly halting the island's crude and fuel imports, and threats from President Donald Trump to "take control" of Cuba "almost immediately."
"We will continue sending humanitarian aid. In fact, today a ship loaded with aid is heading to Cuba," Sheinbaum declared when asked about Mexico's efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people.
The president reaffirmed Mexico's longstanding stance: "Mexico will always be a brotherly and supportive nation to all countries globally, especially Cuba."
Regarding the possibility of sending oil, Sheinbaum outright dismissed this, noting, "They are receiving oil from Russia, so we are focusing on other humanitarian supports."
Mexico paused its crude shipments through Pemex on January 27, 2026, following the signing of Executive Order 14380 by Trump, which imposed secondary sanctions on countries supplying oil to the island.
Sheinbaum also reiterated Mexico's historical perspective on the embargo: "We do not agree, and we have never agreed since the initial proposal of the blockade against Cuba in 1962."
Since February 2026, Mexico has amassed over 3,125 tons of humanitarian aid sent to Cuba, including food, medicine, hygiene products, and solar panels, based on tracking dossier figures.
The inaugural shipment departed on February 8 with two Mexican Navy ships from Veracruz, reaching Havana by February 28 with over 1,193 tons of cargo.
Subsequent shipments were made in March: two additional ships arrived on March 13 with food, hygiene items, and medical supplies, while the Huasteco Logistics Support Ship reached the island on March 28 carrying more than 96 tons of beans and rice.
Cuba's energy crisis intensified from January 3, 2026, when the U.S. blocked Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro.
The island suffers from blackouts lasting up to 25 hours daily across over 55% of its territory, with nearly 96,000 patients awaiting surgery, including 11,000 children, according to data from late March 2026.
On May 1, Trump extended sanctions to Cuba's energy, defense, mining, and financial sectors, stating at a private Florida event that the U.S. would "take control" of Cuba "almost immediately" after completing "the job" in Iran.
This Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres responded to these threats by calling for dialogue: "There is no military solution for Cuba," he asserted, urging for a "constructive dialogue to ensure the Cuban people do not continue to suffer so dramatically."
Frequently Asked Questions on Cuba Aid and Sanctions
What type of humanitarian aid is Mexico sending to Cuba?
Mexico is sending a variety of humanitarian aid to Cuba, including over 3,125 tons of food, medicine, hygiene products, and solar panels.
Why did Mexico stop sending oil to Cuba?
Mexico halted its oil shipments to Cuba following the signing of Executive Order 14380 by President Trump, which imposed secondary sanctions on countries providing oil to the island.
How has the U.S. increased pressure on Cuba?
The U.S. has increased pressure on Cuba through expanded economic sanctions, an energy blockade, and threats from President Trump to take control of the island.