President Claudia Sheinbaum has reaffirmed Mexico’s commitment to supporting Cuba amid a deepening economic and energy crisis linked to restrictions imposed by the United States.
Speaking during her regular Thursday morning briefing, Sheinbaum expressed pride in Mexico’s longstanding assistance to the island nation, dismissing speculation that Cuban authorities had requested secrecy over recent humanitarian shipments.
“Cuba has never asked Mexico to withhold information. And in any case, even if it did, it would be up to us whether or not to publish it. We have nothing to hide regarding Cuba; on the contrary, we are proud to support the Cuban people. I am proud to support the people of Cuba,” she said.
She added that Mexico’s actions are rooted in its historical foreign policy approach, describing the support as part of the country’s “finest diplomatic tradition.”
Mexico has long maintained close ties with Cuba, consistently providing assistance during periods of economic strain. In recent years, this support has included oil shipments, particularly as Cuba grappled with the effects of U.S. sanctions that have limited its access to global energy markets.
The situation has intensified under President Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose tariffs on countries that continue trading with or supplying oil to Cuba. The move has increased pressure on nations maintaining economic relations with Havana.
According to independent research, Mexico supplied significant quantities of fuel to Cuba in the past year, including jet fuel, diesel, and gasoline, totaling approximately 245.9 million liters. These shipments have been critical in helping the island manage ongoing shortages.
However, Mexico’s support has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress have questioned the policy, while the Trump administration has signaled potential commercial consequences for countries that defy its stance on Cuba.
Addressing the criticism, Sheinbaum acknowledged that Mexico had previously forgiven debt owed by Cuba for oil shipments, underscoring the depth of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Despite the ongoing pressure, the Mexican government has recently adjusted its approach. Sheinbaum revealed that oil shipments have been halted, with Mexico now focusing on sending humanitarian assistance such as food and personal hygiene products instead.
The policy shift appears to be a response to mounting external pressure, particularly from Washington, while still maintaining Mexico’s commitment to supporting the Cuban population during a period of hardship.
Analysts say the development highlights the delicate balance Mexico is attempting to strike between its traditional foreign policy principles and the economic realities of maintaining relations with its largest trading partner, the United States.
Cuba continues to face severe economic challenges, including fuel shortages, power outages, and limited access to essential goods. These difficulties have been exacerbated by long-standing U.S. sanctions and more recent policy measures aimed at tightening restrictions on the island.
Sheinbaum’s remarks signal that while Mexico may be adjusting the form of its support, it has no intention of abandoning Cuba, reinforcing a decades-long diplomatic relationship even amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
