Mexico has dispatched two navy ships carrying humanitarian aid to Cuba, the foreign ministry said on Sunday, as the communist-ruled nation continues to face intense US pressure following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
The shipment totals 814 tonnes and comes as Mexico considers how to supply Cuba with oil without incurring tariffs from US President Donald Trump, who has warned of penalties for any country sending petroleum to the island.
The foreign ministry stated that the two ships left on Sunday and are expected to arrive in four days. They are carrying fresh and powdered milk, meat, beans, rice, and personal hygiene items. An additional 1,500 tonnes of food aid are awaiting shipment.
Cuba’s already embattled economy has been further strained since oil supplies from its traditional ally, Venezuela, ceased after the 3 January US operation in which Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured in Caracas and taken to the United States to face trial on drug trafficking charges.
President Trump has signalled willingness to cooperate with interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president, provided she aligns with Washington’s demands, particularly granting access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves—a condition she has partially met so far.
Last year, Mexico exported almost $500 million worth of oil and petroleum products to Cuba, according to the state-run company Pemex, accounting for less than one per cent of its total production.
