The United States government declared a fresh wave of sanctions this Thursday against the Cuban regime, intensifying the pressure on GAESA, the business conglomerate overseen by the Revolutionary Armed Forces. Washington accuses this entity of attempting to obscure its assets and keep its revenue sources operational through a complex network of companies and intermediaries.
Announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the measures encompass the designation of several companies, which, according to the State Department, are integral to GAESA's strategy to sidestep U.S. sanctions. This offensive targets entities in the energy sector and the medical missions system, yet it primarily focuses on the business group that dominates vast segments of the Cuban economy.
"GAESA continues its efforts to shield its assets and income from U.S. sanctions through corporate restructuring and third-party intermediaries," stated the State Department while explaining the new designations, issued under Executive Order 14404, signed by President Donald Trump on May 1, 2026.
Targeting GAESA's Reorganization Efforts
A key reason behind the new sanctions is the transfer of management of the Port of Mariel to Coral Marítima S.A., a maneuver undertaken in mid-June that, according to Washington, aimed to circumvent existing restrictions on GAESA.
Consequently, sanctions were imposed on Terminal de Contenedores de Mariel S.A., the operator of the country's main port terminal, and Coral Marítima S.A., the company that subsequently assumed control of the port.
The list also includes CEIBA Investments Limited, a Guernsey-based firm whose Panamanian subsidiary took over a former GAESA joint venture following initial U.S. sanctions, as well as ORBIT S.A., a remittance processor that the State Department "almost certainly" considers under military conglomerate control.
Escalating Pressure Tactics
The new measures mark another step in the Trump administration's campaign to financially isolate GAESA. On May 7, Washington directly sanctioned the military conglomerate. Subsequently, on June 23, it expanded restrictions to the Banco Financiero Internacional (BFI) and other companies linked to the group. By July 13, the list extended to GEMAR, the Ministry of Tourism, the Rapid Response Brigades, and the Territorial Troop Militias.
With the designations announced this Thursday, the United States aims to block the pathways that, it claims, allow GAESA to retain control over strategic assets and access foreign currency despite existing sanctions.
Sanctions Extend to Energy and Medical Missions
Besides tightening the grip on GAESA, the State Department sanctioned the Petroleum Research Center (CEINPET), ENERSA, and EINARBO S.A., entities tied to Cuba's energy sector.
Additionally, the Commercializadora de Servicios Médicos Cubanos (CSMC) and the Unidad Central de Cooperación Médica (UCCM), along with the Minister of Public Health, José Ángel Portal Miranda, and the director of the UCCM, Gretza Sánchez Padrón, were included for their roles in the medical missions program, which Washington deems a form of forced labor.
The sanctions entail the freezing of all assets and interests of those designated under U.S. jurisdiction and warn foreign banks and companies that engaging in business with them could lead to similar measures.
"The Cuban communist regime continues to exploit its people and acts as the principal sponsor of radical leftism and political violence in our hemisphere," stated Marco Rubio while announcing the new measures.
Understanding U.S. Sanctions on GAESA
What is GAESA and why is it targeted by U.S. sanctions?
GAESA, or the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A., is a Cuban military-controlled business conglomerate. It is targeted by U.S. sanctions due to its alleged efforts to conceal assets and maintain revenue streams despite existing sanctions, using a network of companies and intermediaries.
How do these sanctions affect Cuba's economy?
The sanctions aim to isolate GAESA financially, which could impact major sectors of Cuba's economy controlled by the conglomerate. This includes restrictions on strategic assets and foreign currency access, potentially leading to broader economic challenges in the country.
Who else is affected by these sanctions?
In addition to GAESA, the sanctions impact entities in the energy sector and the medical missions program, including companies like CEIBA Investments Limited and ORBIT S.A., as well as individuals associated with these operations.