Cuba suspends cigar event amid economic crisisAFP, HAVANACuba on Saturday announced the cancelation of its iconic cigar festival, amid a major energy crisis sparked by US pressure on the cash-strapped nation. Photo: AFPThe “Festival del Habano” draws cigar enthusiasts, traders and specialized journalists from around the world, and features an auction of luxury cigars and humidors. The US cut off oil deliveries to Cuba from Havana’s key ally Venezuela following the abduction of longtime Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in early last month. US President Donald Trump also signed an executive order allowing his country to impose tariffs on countries selling oil to Havana. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has accused Trump of wanting to “suffocate” the nation’s economy, which has been under US embargo since 1962.

Source: Taipei Times February 15, 2026 17:15 UTC