CMA CGM suspends Cuba shipments, holds medical supply containers in Jamaica

CMA CGM Cuba sanctions medical supplies Jamaica port U.S. executive order

French shipping company CMA CGM announced that it has halted all cargo reservations with origin or destination in Cuba following a U.S. executive order issued on May 1 that expands sanctions on the island. Dozens of containers were left at the port of Kingston, Jamaica, including a shipment from the solidarity group SODePAZ containing more than 3.5 million syringes and needles intended for the health system in Santiago de Cuba.

The company said the only alternatives are returning the containers to their origin or transferring the cargo to another carrier, which would raise costs for shippers. German carrier Hapag‑Lloyd also suspended its reservations to Cuba, citing compliance risks. The suspensions add to the obstacles faced by Cuba in obtaining essential goods amid a tightened U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade.

"After the U.S. executive order issued on May 1, CMA CGM has decided to suspend its reservations with origin or destination in Cuba until further notice," the firm said in a statement.