US targets Cuba’s oil shipping network and Chinese military suppliers

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2026 — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the measures under Executive Order 14404, targeting what he described as networks enriching Cuba’s leadership and sustaining its security apparatus. Treasury separately authorized sanctions against foreign persons operating or having operated in Cuba’s electronics, manufacturing, marine and technology sectors. Forth

The shipping targets included Cyprus-based Caroil Transport Marine Ltd., Panama-based Tentacool Commercial Inc., and Cuban companies Internacional Maritima SA and Petroleos Maritimos del Caribe SA, known as Petromarca. The vessels identified were Esperanza, Gloria C, Maria Cristina, Emilia and Lourdes. Caroil and some vessels were already subject to Venezuela-related sanctions. Forth

Rubio also designated Guillermo Faustino Rodriguez Lopez Calleja, whom he linked to offshore companies transporting Cuban crude oil, and Any Rodriguez Lastres, daughter of previously sanctioned GAESA President Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera. He accused Cuban leaders and their relatives of profiting from opaque commercial networks while the population faced blackouts and shortages. Forth

The Chinese companies were China National Electronic Import and Export Company, known as CEIEC, and Beijing H&C Technologies Co. Ltd. The State Department said both worked with previously sanctioned Cuban procurement company Sociedad Mercantil Duna SA to supply military equipment or components in 2026. CEIEC was already sanctioned under a Venezuela-related authority. Cuban state enterprises Cubaelectronica and Tecnosime were also designated. Forth

The designations block property within U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibit U.S. dealings with the targets. Entities owned 50% or more collectively by blocked persons are also blocked. The sector determination creates grounds for further designations; it does not automatically block every business operating in those industries.