According to the new decree, the United States will be able to impose additional tariffs on imports from countries that supply oil to Cuba, both directly and indirectly.
Trump justified this decision by stating that the Cuban government is taking "extraordinary measures" that threaten the security of the United States. In particular, the document notes that the authorities in Cuba are interacting with states and groups opposing the U.S., such as Russia, China, Iran, as well as terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
The President stated: "To address the national emergency <…> I find it necessary to establish a tariff system as outlined below. Under this system, an additional ad valorem tariff may be imposed on imports of goods produced by foreign states supplying oil to Cuba."
An ad valorem tariff is a tax levied on the import or export of goods and is calculated as a percentage of their value, being the most common type of mandatory payment.
Recently, the Trump administration has predicted the imminent collapse of the Cuban regime, citing the severe economic situation in the country, and expresses its intention to see a change of power on the island.
The rhetoric from the White House has become harsher following the military operation in Venezuela, during which American forces evacuated President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Trump emphasized that Washington will monitor the situation in Venezuela until a change of power occurs.
According to Politico, measures are being discussed in Washington, including a complete blockade of oil supplies to Cuba. According to estimates from the analytical company Kpler, at the current level of consumption, Cuba has enough oil reserves for 15-20 days.
