Cuba's economy is experiencing overwhelming stress from various fronts, driven primarily by former U.S. President Donald Trump's commitment to tighten restrictions on the communist island. The embargo on oil shipments has led to emergency rationing, adversely impacting vital industries such as tourism and tobacco, critical to the nation's revenue. Furthermore, financial remittances and the income generated from sending medical professionals abroad have faced significant threats due to these sanctions.

Traditionally, sending medical missions abroad has been a major source of foreign currency for Cuba, generating approximately $7 billion last year as reported by official figures. In 2025, Cuba dispatched 24,000 healthcare specialists to 56 countries, with more than half (13,000) serving in Venezuela alone. Foreign governments pay Havana directly for these medical services, but the U.S. government has strongly criticized this program, labeling it as coercive labor. This backlash has prompted countries wanting to maintain cordial relations with the U.S. to reconsider their partnerships with Cuba, exemplified by Guatemala's recent termination of a 27-year agreement that allowed thousands of Cuban doctors to work in the country.

The sanctions and resultant economic difficulties illustrate a broader struggle for Cuba as it attempts to navigate its international relations and sustain its economy amidst increasing isolation. As countries reconsider their ties and Cuba grapples with the fallout from U.S. policies, the implications for the island’s healthcare exports and overall economic stability continue to be profound. The situation remains precarious, with potential long-term consequences for both the Cuban populace and its key economic sectors.