Cuba Shipping Suspensions Add New Pressure After U.S. Executive Order

HAVANA | Major shipping firms CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd suspended bookings to and from Cuba, adding new pressure to the island’s trade access after a U.S. executive order expanded compliance risk for companies operating in key Cuban sectors.

Reuters reported that CMA CGM of France and Hapag-Lloyd of Germany suspended all bookings to and from Cuba until further notice. Both companies cited a U.S. executive order issued May 1 by President Donald Trump.

The order broadened sanctions concerns around foreign entities operating in key sectors of Cuba’s economy, including areas linked to energy, defense, mining and financial services. Reuters reported that the suspensions are expected to affect shipments from China, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

For Cuba, shipping restrictions can quickly become a consumer and business problem. The island already faces economic strain, shortages and limited access to international finance. When major carriers suspend bookings, importers and exporters must search for alternative routes, smaller carriers or more expensive logistics.

For shipping companies, the issue is compliance. Even if a shipment appears commercial, firms must evaluate whether counterparties, ports, state-linked entities or payment channels create exposure under U.S. sanctions.

The confirmed story is that two major carriers suspended Cuba bookings and cited the U.S. executive order. The unresolved questions are how long the suspensions last, whether other carriers follow and whether carveouts emerge for private-sector shipments.

Additional Reporting By: Reuters