politics
May 8, 2026
Names, Causes, and Effects: Four Keys to Understanding the New US Sanctions on Cuba
The recent sanctions by the United States against Cuba mark a turning point in economic pressure on the island, with impacts ranging from the business sector to international relations.
TL;DR
- The US has imposed new sanctions on Cuba, with Gaesa and Moa Nickel S.A. being the first targeted entities.
- Gaesa, a conglomerate linked to the Cuban military, controls a significant portion of Cuba's GDP.
- Moa Nickel S.A. operates the island's nickel and cobalt deposits, leading Sherritt to suspend its operations.
- Executive Order 14404 threatens asset freezes for non-US persons/entities working for or supporting the Cuban government, especially in strategic sectors.
- The Cuban government has condemned the sanctions as 'international crimes' and 'genocidal'.
- Experts view the sanctions as an incremental, broad-based deterrent strategy rather than shock tactics.
- International companies, particularly Spanish, Mexican, Russian, Chinese, French, and Italian, operating in sensitive sectors like energy and finance, are at risk.