One of the significant online platforms for Cubans residing in the U.S. to send aid to their families in Cuba is shutting down. This follows the Trump administration’s increased sanctions on the Cuban government. Envioscuba.com has ceased taking orders due to these measures aimed at cutting off support for Cuban businesses.
The recent sanctions target Cuba’s state-owned oil and gas company, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and GAESA, a conglomerate run by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba. This conglomerate owns various businesses, including car rentals and retail stores. As a result, Cubans are facing shortages in essential supplies, frequent blackouts, and oppressive heat. Many rely on aid from U.S.-based family and friends, who send money, food, and clothing from Miami or make online purchases for delivery in Cuba.
Envioscuba.com announced its decision to stop accepting new orders, although existing orders will be fulfilled. The platform stated, “Due to reasons beyond our control, our platform can no longer provide services,” without further detail. Currently, contact information for the company is not available, as their website lacks a phone number or email address.
According to Emilio Morales, president at Havana Consulting Group, these platforms operate closely with Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. They do not send goods directly from the U.S. but supply products stored in GAESA warehouses. Morales notes that similar platforms might also close to avoid sanctions for associating with the Cuban government.
The U.S. sanctions pose severe risks for foreign companies, threatening to freeze their U.S. assets and restrict travel for involved parties. The Spanish hotel chain Meliá has announced a plan to end operations at 15 of its 34 hotels in Cuba, reflecting a trend where companies with historical ties to Cuba are pulling back or limiting their activities.