Mexico Sends Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid Economic Crisis

Two Mexican naval ships arrive in Havana with over 800 tons of supplies as U.S. sanctions cripple Cuba's economy.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Two Mexican naval ships arrived in Havana on Wednesday carrying more than 800 tons of humanitarian aid for Cuban residents. The shipment included powdered milk, meat products, cookies, beans, rice, hygiene products, and bottled water. This comes as the U.S. has stopped oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba, crippling the island's economy and power grid. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country is delivering the aid to avert a humanitarian crisis in Cuba, despite threats of tariffs from the U.S. if it continues to provide support to the island nation.

Why it matters

The delivery of humanitarian aid from Mexico to Cuba is significant as the U.S. sanctions have severely impacted Cuba's economy, leading to shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Mexico's actions defy pressure from the U.S. and demonstrate its commitment to supporting its neighbor during a time of crisis.

The details

The two Mexican naval ships left the port of Veracruz earlier this week and arrived in Havana on Wednesday. The shipment contained over 800 tons of supplies, including powdered milk, meat products, cookies, beans, rice, hygiene items, and bottled water. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico has pledged to continue delivering aid to Cuba as it negotiates an agreement with the White House, despite threats from the U.S. to impose tariffs on any nation that provides Cuba with oil or other support.

  • The two Mexican naval ships left the port of Veracruz earlier this week.
  • The ships arrived in Havana, Cuba on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Claudia Sheinbaum

The President of Mexico, who has pledged to continue delivering humanitarian aid to Cuba despite threats of U.S. sanctions.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has threatened to impose tariffs on any nation that provides Cuba with oil or other support.

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What they’re saying

“Mexico has said another shipment of 1,500 tons of aid is ready to be delivered.”

— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico (cenlanow.com)

What’s next

Mexico and the U.S. are currently negotiating an agreement regarding Cuba, and it remains to be seen whether the U.S. will follow through on its threat to impose tariffs on Mexico for continuing to provide aid to the island nation.

The takeaway

Mexico's decision to defy U.S. pressure and deliver critical humanitarian aid to Cuba demonstrates its commitment to supporting its neighbor during a time of economic crisis, even at the risk of potential U.S. sanctions. This act of solidarity highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.