Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has announced a new strategy to restart oil trade with Cuba through private companies, creating a commercial framework designed to allow fuel exchanges while avoiding exposure of state enterprises to foreign sanctions.
During a press conference on Monday, Sheinbaum said the initiative would operate as a commercial exchange rather than humanitarian assistance. The plan seeks to use private companies with the necessary permits to transport fuel to Cuba as Mexico works to restore hydrocarbon trade between the two countries.
The strategy follows the suspension of fuel exports by Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), earlier this year after continued threats of unilateral sanctions from the United States. The Mexican government has since developed an alternative mechanism that would allow private firms to participate in fuel transactions with the Caribbean nation.
According to Sheinbaum, the new approach takes into account recent economic changes approved by the Cuban government and Congress that allow greater participation by private businesses. Mexican officials said the framework could create opportunities for companies from both countries to establish direct commercial operations.
The announcement comes amid increased U.S. restrictions targeting countries involved in oil exports to Cuba. The source text states that U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 29 imposing tariffs on countries exporting oil to Cuba and declaring a state of emergency. It also states that additional measures were expanded in May 2026 against Cuban state entities, including the Business Management Group (Gaesa).
Cuban authorities have said the sanctions have contributed to economic difficulties on the island. The Mexican government has responded by developing a legal structure intended to allow private companies to conduct fuel transactions while limiting potential financial exposure for state entities.
In addition to the commercial oil initiative, Sheinbaum said Mexico would continue providing humanitarian assistance to Cuba. The Mexican government has maintained shipments of food and essential supplies to the island as part of ongoing support efforts.
Recently, a cargo ship carrying 1,700 tons of commodities from Mexico and Belize arrived in Cuba. The delivery was part of several shipments organized by the Mexican administration during the year to provide assistance to the Cuban population.
On June 9, Sheinbaum described Mexico’s continued assistance as a longstanding commitment between the two countries. She said Cuba faces economic, financial, commercial and energy restrictions linked to the decades-long U.S. blockade, according to the source text.
The proposed trade mechanism represents a new structure for Mexico-Cuba economic relations by combining private-sector participation in energy commerce with continued humanitarian shipments. The Mexican government said the approach is intended to maintain bilateral cooperation while operating within a framework that protects participating companies from external sanctions risks.
