Mexico will pursue diplomatic channels after the US threatened tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba, warning of a humanitarian crisis.
MEXICO CITY: Mexico will seek diplomatic solutions to help Cuba after the United States threatened tariffs on countries supplying the island with oil.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated the need to understand the scope of the US threat to avoid putting Mexico at risk.
“We need to know the scope because we don’t want to put our country at risk in terms of tariffs,” Sheinbaum said in a press conference.
She has instructed her foreign minister to contact the US State Department for clarification.
Mexico is a crucial remaining supplier of oil to Cuba, with shipments acting as a lifeline for the island nation.
Sheinbaum warned that cutting off this supply could trigger a severe humanitarian crisis.
“Applying tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba could trigger a far-reaching humanitarian crisis,” she stated.
The crisis would directly affect hospitals, food supplies, and other essential services for the Cuban people.
The president did not confirm if Mexico would halt its oil or refined product shipments to Cuba.
These shipments account for approximately 1% of Mexico’s total production.
She emphasised that the government is actively examining alternatives to support Cuba.
Sheinbaum revealed she spoke with US President Donald Trump hours before the tariff announcement.
The US president did not mention the planned measures during their Thursday morning call. – Reuters
