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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, extended for one year the economic embargo of the United States on Cuba, a measure that falls within a longstanding practice of both Republican and Democratic administrations for over six decades.
The measure, adopted through a memorandum directed to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, extends until September 14, 2026, the legal framework that regulates limited commercial operations with the island.
According to the official document, the powers outlined in this law were scheduled to expire on September 14, 2025, but the White House has determined that its continuation is "in the national interest" for the United States.
Consequently, the government instructed the Department of the Treasury to publish the resolution in the Federal Register, keeping the sanctions and special authorizations imposed on Cuba in effect
The extension directly impacts the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR Part 515), which set forth the conditions under which financial and commercial transactions with the island may take place.
Although the decision maintains the general restrictions, it ensures the continuation of specific licenses that allow for certain exports, including those for humanitarian purposes and certain economic operations.
With this measure, the Trump administration reaffirms its pressure on Cuba, simultaneously ensuring a legal framework for operations that, without these licenses, would be prohibited under the current sanctions.
Last year, former president Joe Biden signed the extension until September 2025 of the economic embargo of the United States against Cuba, a measure that is part of a common practice by both Republican and Democratic administrations for over six decades.
One day before the law was set to expire, a note was published stating that the exercise of certain authorities under the Trading with the Enemy Act was scheduled to expire on September 14, 2024.
Therefore, it was determined that the continuation of that practice regarding Cuba would be extended for another year in the national interest of the United States.
The embargo, which began to be partially implemented in October 1960 in response to the nationalization of American companies in Cuba, was expanded to its full form in February 1962.
Since then, its renewal has been a formal procedure carried out annually by 13 U.S. administrations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Extension of U.S. Exports to Cuba
Why did Donald Trump extend export licenses to Cuba?
Donald Trump extended export licenses to Cuba for another year under the Trading with the Enemy Act, considering it is in the "national interest" of the United States to maintain this legal framework. This measure allows certain exports, especially those for humanitarian purposes, to continue despite the ongoing sanctions.
What impact does the extension of licenses have on sanctions against Cuba?
The extension of licenses maintains the general sanctions imposed on Cuba, but allows for the continuation of specific licenses that authorize certain exports and transactions. This includes exports for humanitarian purposes and some economic operations, limited by the Cuban Assets Control Regulations.
How is Trump's decision related to the economic embargo on Cuba?
Trump's decision to extend export licenses to Cuba is part of the maintenance of the economic embargo that the United States has imposed on the island for more than six decades. Although the licenses allow for certain transactions, the embargo remains a steadfast tool of political pressure on the Cuban regime.
What additional measures has Trump taken against Cuba recently?
In addition to the extension of licenses, Trump has signed a memorandum that prohibits American tourism to Cuba and strengthens the economic embargo. These measures aim to pressure the Cuban regime to implement political reforms and improve human rights on the island.
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