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US Expands GAESA Sanctions, Shipping Cut Threatens Cuba Trade

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued an executive order expanding sanctions on the military-run conglomerate GAESA.
Shipping firms CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd and foreign hotel operators suspended bookings after a Friday deadline, threatening up to 60% of Cuba’s shipping traffic.
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel said GAESA funds housing, infrastructure, healthcare and education, not elite enrichment, even as tourist arrivals fell 59.5% in early 2026 versus 2025 and 81.9% versus 2019.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration issued an executive order expanding sanctions on the military-run conglomerate GAESA.
Shipping firms CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd and foreign hotel operators suspended bookings after a Friday deadline, threatening up to 60% of Cuba’s shipping traffic.
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel said GAESA funds housing, infrastructure, healthcare and education, not elite enrichment, even as tourist arrivals fell 59.5% in early 2026 versus 2025 and 81.9% versus 2019.