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The Cuban e-commerce platform Tuambia announced on Thursday that it will suspend its operations starting May 1, 2025, and will no longer accept new orders through its website.
Through an official statement published on its Facebook profile, the company announced that the decision has been "very difficult, yet necessary," due to the complex economic context that has made it unfeasible to continue operating sustainably and with the expected quality standards.
"We would like to inform you that, starting today, May 1, 2025, Tuambia has suspended its operations, and no new orders can be placed on our website," states the message addressed to its customers.
However, the company assured that all orders placed until April 30 will be delivered within the established timelines, and that their customer service team will remain active during the closing process to address any issues.
Tuambia allowed for years the shipment of products to Cuba from abroad, becoming a frequent option for family members and emigrants who wished to supply their loved ones on the island.
In its farewell, the company expressed gratitude for the support received and shared some notable figures: over 1.2 million deliveries made and more than 360,000 Cuban households served.
"Thanks to you, we made more than 1,200,000 deliveries and reached over 360,000 Cuban households. Together, we created something unique," concludes the statement, signed with an emotional "Thank you for being part of the Tuambia family."
Tell us, a small and medium-sized enterprise with family ties to power, operated with state logistical support
Tuambia SURL was officially registered as a micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (SME) on July 8, 2022, under number 4160, in the name of entrepreneur Yoel Perdomo Di-Lella, who holds a degree in Tourism and Management Consulting for Tourism Enterprises.
Perdomo is the brother of former Vice Prime Minister Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella, who was ousted in October 2024, according to a report by CubaNet.
Although the official records listed the company with a corporate purpose of "processing meat products and their derivatives," Tuambia promoted itself since its inception as an online store with national messaging and sales of high-demand items imported from abroad, the news portal emphasized.
The company also operated the fast food service Jámazon, a brand that parodied Amazon and, like Tuambia, benefited from the logistical infrastructure of Palco S.A., a state entity with experience in imports and distribution.
This link with Palco reinforced the perception of institutional support since the early days of the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise, which is speculated to have been one of the reasons for the dismissal of former Deputy Prime Minister Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella.
Yoel Perdomo was regarded as one of the most prominent private entrepreneurs on the island, with involvement in at least three companies until the political downfall of his brother.
One of them was registered in Panama as a "foreign capital" company, while the other two operated as micro, small, and medium enterprises and sole proprietorships in sectors such as food, beverages, hardware, and household appliances.
His business rise dates back to the 1990s, when he went from being a maître at the Comodoro hotel and working at the Hemingway Marina to becoming part of Abraham Maciques' inner circle at the Convention Palace, marking his entry into the economic spheres closely linked to political power.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Closure of Tuambia's Operations in Cuba
Why does Tuambia suspend its operations in Cuba?
Tuambia has decided to suspend its operations due to the complex economic context that has made it unfeasible to continue operating sustainably and with the expected quality standards. The company faced challenges in maintaining its activities amidst the economic crisis affecting Cuba.
What will happen to the orders placed before the closure of Tuambia?
Tuambia has assured that all orders made until April 30 will be delivered within the established timelines. The company has guaranteed that its customer service team will remain active to resolve any issues during the closing process.
How has the economic context of Cuba influenced Tuambia's decision?
The economic context of Cuba, characterized by an economic crisis exacerbated by recession and inflation, has greatly affected micro, small, and medium enterprises (Mipymes) such as Tuambia. The decline of Mipymes in the country reflects structural problems and challenges in operating within an increasingly restrictive and government-controlled economic environment.
What role did Tuambia play in Cuban e-commerce?
Tuambia had become a common option for family members and emigrants wishing to send products to Cuba from abroad. The platform facilitated the shipping of goods to the island, allowing many Cubans to receive items that were not locally available due to shortages in the domestic market.
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