US targets Cuba nickel operation in move with implications for China-linked supply chains

The Trump administration has sanctioned Moa Nickel SA, a joint venture between Canadian miner Sherritt International and Cuba's state-owned General Nickel Company. This action, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets Cuba's military-controlled economy and is part of a broader pressure campaign against Havana. In response, Sherritt International has suspended its direct participation in the joint venture and begun repatriating its expatriate employees from Cuba. The sanctions have potential implications for China-linked battery supply chains, as nickel is a critical mineral for battery production. This move signifies an expansion of US pressure into the critical minerals sector.