The Treasury said in a statement that the targeted Cubametales, which is a Cuban state-run oil import and export company, has continued to import oil from Venezuela, providing support to the government of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro.
As a result of the sanctions, all property and interests in property of this entity, and of any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by the designated entity, that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked, according to the statement.
The Treasury also announced on Wednesday that it has lifted sanctions on the Italian-based PB Tankers S.P.A. (PB Tankers) after the firm distanced itself from Cubametales and the Maduro government.
US-Cuba ties have deteriorated under the Trump administration, which has rolled back the detente initiated by former US President Barack Obama.
Washington has repeatedly alleged that Havana has been supporting Maduro’s government, which Washington is openly seeking to oust from power.
The United States has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Venezuelan government in support of the opposition leader Juan Guaido.
