Mexico’s emergence as Cuba’s primary oil supplier has placed President Claudia Sheinbaum at the center of a growing diplomatic rift with the United States. According to data cited by the Financial Times, Mexico accounted for 44% of Cuba’s crude imports in 2025, overtaking Venezuela as Havana’s main energy partner amid shifting regional dynamics.
Sheinbaum has defended the shipments as a sovereign and humanitarian decision, consistent with Mexico’s long-standing policy of engagement with Cuba. Her administration increased oil exports to the island by 56% compared to her predecessor, though it remains unclear whether these deliveries were subsidized or commercial. Regulatory filings in the United States suggest that contracts were in place, implying payment, but details have not been disclosed.
The timing of Mexico’s expanded support has drawn particular scrutiny in Washington. The disruption of Venezuelan oil flows to Cuba following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro has intensified efforts by American officials to isolate Havana. In this context, Mexico’s role as a lifeline for the Cuban economy has triggered bipartisan concern in Congress.
Mexico’s support for Cuba is now a focal point in its relationship with Washington.
Republican lawmakers from Florida, including Secretary Marco Rubio, have been especially vocal. They argue that Mexico’s support bolsters an authoritarian regime facing widespread economic hardship and civil unrest. In December, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged severe shortages of food and fuel, rolling blackouts, and rising public dissatisfaction.
Diplomatic tensions reportedly led to a temporary reduction in oil shipments after Rubio met with Mexican officials in September. Jorge Piñón of the University of Texas noted that exports dropped from 22,000 to 15,000 barrels per day following the meeting. However, volumes later rebounded to 35,000 barrels daily during the final months of Maduro’s government.
Beyond oil, Mexico’s support for Cuba includes food supplies, household goods, military equipment parts, and cultural materials such as books. The hiring of Cuban medical personnel under bilateral agreements has also drawn criticism in Washington over alleged labor exploitation.
While previous Mexican presidents maintained ties with Cuba without provoking major diplomatic fallout, Sheinbaum’s approach appears less calibrated to current geopolitical sensitivities. Analysts suggest that her administration has not consistently communicated its intentions to U.S. counterparts—a departure from past practice that may be contributing to mistrust.
“Mexico’s support for Cuba is now a focal point in its relationship with Washington,” said one observer familiar with recent bilateral discussions.
Sheinbaum insists that her actions are grounded in principles of sovereignty and humanitarianism. Yet critics argue that such rhetoric carries limited weight in Washington amid broader concerns over regional security and governance standards. The episode underscores the complex balancing act facing Mexico as it navigates legacy foreign policy commitments alongside evolving geopolitical pressures.
