By Dave Sherwood

HAVANA (Reuters) – Early Thursday morning, two Mexican ships carrying humanitarian aid arrived at Havana Harbor. Witnesses reported that this delivery fulfilled Mexico's promise to help Cuba, especially after the U.S. threatened tariffs on countries that supply oil to the island.

One of the ships, named Papaloapan, was seen carrying many large, white-wrapped pallets as it passed the historic El Morro castle and entered the calm waters of the harbor.

This shipment from Mexico comes just days after Cuba's government announced stricter rationing measures in response to U.S. efforts to cut off its fuel supply.

In January, the U.S. warned about imposing tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba, labeling the island as an “extraordinary threat” to national security—a claim that Cuba rejects.

In mid-January, Mexico had already stopped sending crude and refined products to Cuba following pressure from the Trump administration before announcing this aid delivery.

According to a statement from the Mexican government, “These ships departed from the port of Veracruz with over 814 tons of supplies meant for the civilian population of Cuba.”

The cargo consisted of items such as liquid and powdered milk, meat products, cookies, beans, rice, tuna, sardines, vegetable oil, and toiletries.

Ediberto Rodriguez, a 65-year-old resident of Havana and a state worker, watched the ships arrive and expressed his gratitude to Mexico for what he described as an “unforgettable gesture.”

“Mexico hasn't abandoned us,” he stated. “Despite pressure from a global superpower (the United States), they stood firm.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Wednesday that another shipment of humanitarian aid for Cuba will be sent in the coming days.