Online Delivery Portal Shuts Down as US Sanctions Deepen Cuba's Economic Isolation

Envioscuba.com, one of the main platforms used by Cuban Americans to send food, clothing, appliances and other essential goods to relatives on the island, has stopped accepting new orders as the Trump administration intensifies its sanctions campaign against Cuba .

The company announced that while all previously approved orders will be delivered, it can no longer provide services due to circumstances beyond its control. The suspension comes amid a sweeping expansion of US sanctions targeting Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel , the military-run conglomerate GAESA , and state-owned energy company CUPET , which Washington accuses of supporting the communist government and military establishment.

Analysts say Envioscuba and similar portals operate largely through goods stored in GAESA-controlled warehouses inside Cuba rather than shipping products directly from the United States. Emilio Morales, president of the Miami-based Havana Consulting Group, warned that more delivery and remittance-linked platforms could shut down to avoid exposure to secondary sanctions , which can penalise foreign companies, investors and financial institutions doing business with sanctioned Cuban entities.

The closure adds to mounting challenges for ordinary Cubans already grappling with severe food and medicine shortages , prolonged power outages and a worsening fuel crisis. Recent sanctions on CUPET have further complicated fuel imports, contributing to nationwide blackouts and economic disruption.

The broader sanctions push has triggered an exodus of foreign businesses. Spanish hotel operator Meliá Hotels International has announced plans to cease managing 15 of its 34 Cuban hotels, while Cuba recently suspended Visa and Mastercard transactions after foreign partners reduced operations linked to sanctioned entities.

Critics, including UN human rights officials, argue that the measures are increasingly hurting ordinary Cuban citizens rather than government leaders, while Washington maintains the sanctions are aimed at pressuring the Cuban regime and its military-controlled economic network.