Cuba Receives First 15,000 Tonnes of Chinese Rice Donation
Cuba announced the arrival of 15,000 tonnes of rice from China on Saturday. The shipment is part of a planned 60,000-tonne donation as the island faces fuel shortages and power outages.
Al JazeeraCuba announced the arrival of the first 15,000 tonnes of a planned 60,000-tonne rice donation from China on Saturday. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the delivery in social media posts on Sunday and expressed gratitude to China.
Cuba has faced reduced oil imports since January after the United States blocked transfers from Venezuela and limited other shipments. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy stated earlier this month that the island had exhausted its oil supplies. The shortages have led to island-wide blackouts and disrupted transportation and medical services.
Cuba imports nearly 60 percent of its oil, according to the International Energy Agency.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed earlier this month that the administration offered $100 million in humanitarian aid conditioned on reforms. Diaz-Canel stated that Cuba would continue strengthening ties with China. He also thanked members of the European Parliament who denounced pressure on his government.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- January 2026
U.S. blocked Venezuelan oil transfers to Cuba after Maduro operation.
1 sourceAl Jazeera - January 2026
Trump issued executive order labeling Cuba an unusual and extraordinary threat.
1 sourceAl Jazeera - May 2026
Energy Minister announced Cuba had exhausted its oil supplies.
1 sourceAl Jazeera - May 23, 2026
First 15,000 tonnes of Chinese rice arrived in Havana.
1 sourceAl Jazeera - May 24, 2026
Diaz-Canel confirmed shipment and thanked China on social media.
1 sourceAl Jazeera
Potential Impact
- 01
Cuba may receive additional rice shipments totaling 45,000 tonnes from China.
- 02
U.S. sanctions may limit future oil and financial transfers to Cuba.
- 03
Power outages and service disruptions could continue without new oil deliveries.
Transparency Panel
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