Brazil sends humanitarian aid to Cuba amid US embargo

The Brazilian government will send 48 tons of powdered milk to Cuba as humanitarian aid. The Caribbean nation has been affected by the tightening of the US economic embargo and restrictions on its oil supply, which have contributed to worsening the island’s socioeconomic conditions.

On Monday (Jul. 13), 16 tons were shipped aboard a Brazilian Air Force (FAB) flight bound for Santiago de Cuba. A second flight is scheduled to depart from Porto Alegre on Tuesday (Jul. 14) carrying an additional 32 tons of powdered milk.

The Planalto presidential palace said that the goal is “to help address the severe shortage the country is facing.” The operation is being coordinated by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Brazil had already provided humanitarian aid to Cuba in 2025 in response to the impacts of Hurricane Melissa.

“Additional donations of food and medicine are under consideration by the Brazilian government,” Secom reported.

Economic blockade suffocates Cuba

The economic blockade against Cuba, which has lasted for nearly 70 years, was tightened by the current US administration in late 2025 following the imposition of naval restrictions on Venezuela, which until then had been the Caribbean island’s main oil supplier.

In January 2026, the United States intensified the blockade by threatening sanctions against anyone selling oil to Cuba. As a result, the country went three months without oil supplies.

In recent weeks, the US Department of State has increased pressure on Cuba by imposing new sanctions targeting the tourism and gold mining sectors, as well as the state-owned oil company.

The White House’s measures have contributed to more frequent power outages, higher prices for basic goods, and cuts to public transportation and the supply of state-subsidized food baskets. For Havana residents interviewed by Agência Brasil, this is the country’s worst period in recent memory.