Overview
- President Miguel Díaz‑Canel and senior diplomat Carlos Fernández de Cossío say Havana is open to “meaningful” dialogue that excludes discussions about changing Cuba’s political system, with high-level message exchanges reported but no formal talks established.
- A January 29 executive order from President Trump set a process to levy tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, with determinations by Commerce and State and a final decision by the president, while the use of IEEPA for tariffs faces Supreme Court review.
- U.N. officials caution that Cuba’s situation could worsen toward collapse as power cuts intensify and fuel runs short, with independent data indicating roughly 15–20 days of oil at current demand levels.
- Mexico says oil contracts with Cuba remain open and plans humanitarian aid while pursuing a diplomatic arrangement to avoid U.S. tariffs, as Washington pressures suppliers following the loss of Venezuelan shipments.
- Díaz‑Canel says a rationing plan will roll out next week after a major blackout hit eastern provinces, and the U.S. Embassy in Havana advises Americans to prepare for significant disruption from outages and fuel shortages.