Envioscuba.com Halts Cuba Orders as U.S. Sanctions Hit GAESA and 15 Meliá Hotels
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 16
Envioscuba.com Halts Cuba Orders as U.S. Sanctions Hit GAESA and 15 Meliá Hotels
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 16
Summary
Envioscuba.com has stopped accepting new orders, cutting off a key channel many Cuban Americans use to send food, clothing and other goods to relatives on the island.
U.S. sanctions have increasingly targeted Cuba’s military-run business network, especially GAESA, which analysts say underpins portals that sell goods already stored in warehouses inside Cuba rather than shipping them from the United States.
Previously approved orders will still be delivered, but the company gave no detailed explanation and it remains unclear exactly when it stopped taking new business.
Emilio Morales of Havana Consulting Group said similar platforms may also shut down to avoid penalties that can freeze U.S. assets and restrict travel by investors, employees and shareholders.
The pullback is already spreading beyond delivery portals: Spanish hotel chain Meliá said it will cease operations at 15 of the 34 hotels it manages in Cuba.