The United States has Imposed Nine Rounds of Sanctions on Cuba to Strangle Strategic Sectors

The United States has deployed nine rounds of sanctions against Cuba since May, affecting 31 individuals and 49 companies with the aim of pressuring for political and economic changes on the island.

The U.S. government announces new coercive measures, including those targeting key entities in Cuba’s economy and foreign relations. Photo EFE

August 21, 2026 Hour: 3:36 pm

Since May, the United States has imposed nine rounds of sanctions on Cuba, targeting 31 individuals and 49 companies. This offensive aims to fulfill Washington’s objective of leaving the island with no escape.

In response, Cuba has described the actions as a failed obsession, maintaining a stance of resistance in the face of the energy and economic crisis, and the country’s leadership has implemented 176 reforms.

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Washington has surgically applied Executive Order 14404 of May 1, signed by President Donald Trump. The U.S. objective is to prevent foreign companies from doing business with entities and individuals linked to the Cuban government and to curb their involvement in key sectors such as energy, defense, finance, mining, and security.

This time, the sanctions list targets directors of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), an institution that promotes solidarity with global progressive movements. Also included are the Ministry of Construction, the Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara Nickel Company, the import and export company Metalcuba, the Geominero Salinero Business Group (Geominsal), and the metallurgical products importer Acinox Comercial.

In addition, the trade management company Coratur, the Central Company for the Supply and Sale of Heavy Transport Equipment and Parts (Transimport), the General Merchandise Marketing Company (Consumimport), and Acorec, an employment agency, have been sanctioned. These sectors join previous targets that include tourism, energy, ports, finance, remittances, and medical cooperation.

In presenting the package, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the main proponent of the maximum pressure policy, stated that the aim is to stop Havana’s alleged “malign activities” in the hemisphere.

This is in addition to the recent inclusion of the state oil company Unión Cuba-Petróleo (Cupet), the Petroleum Research Center, and the Minister of Energy, Vicente de la O Levy. Furthermore, Washington has targeted extractive companies such as Moa Nickel S.A., Geominera S.A., and the José Martí Steel Company, with the aim of curbing the export of metals that generate foreign currency.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla denounced that the offensive directly affects the population. “The U.S. Secretary of State continues to punish Cuban companies with the deliberate purpose of harming our economy and preventing the Cuban government from guaranteeing basic services to the population, which is already in a critical situation as a result of the blockade,” he stated.

Cuba has reiterated that it is not a threat to the U.S., denies being a bridge for drug trafficking, and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit substances.

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