U.S. sanctions tighten grip on Cuba's tourism and energy sectors

The United States has intensified its economic pressure on Cuba, imposing sanctions that target the Grupo de Administración Empresarial (Gaesa) – the military‑run conglomerate that controls much of the island’s tourism, imports, telecommunications and free‑zone activities. The measures also name 11 Cuban officials, members of President Miguel Díaz‑Canel’s family and an indictment of former leader Raúl Castro for a 30‑year‑old incident.

The sanctions have prompted the exit of major companies linked to Gaesa, including Canadian miner Sherritt, hotel chains Iberostar, Meliá and Blue Diamond, as well as payment processors Visa and Mastercard. With tourism already down 55 % in 2025, analysts warn the sector could lose more than 70 % of its revenue by the end of the year. At the same time, an executive order issued on 29 January 2026 blocks regular oil shipments from Mexico or Russia, while a special private‑license scheme (SCP) allows limited U.S. oil and gas sales directly to private Cuban entities, effectively making the United States the main supplier of scarce energy, medicines and food, surpassing aid from China, Russia and other partners.