One of the main online platforms used by Cubans living in the United States to send money, food, and clothing to their relatives on the island has stopped taking orders. Envioscuba.com announced it has ceased operations as the US increases pressure on the Cuban government.

US Sanctions on Cuba

The latest round of US sanctions aims to choke off international support for businesses in Cuba, including the state-owned oil and gas company and a business conglomerate run by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba. Many Cubans have received help from family and friends in the US, who send money and packages from Miami containing appliances, food, and clothing, or purchase products online for delivery in Cuba.

Envioscuba.com said it is no longer accepting new orders, but all previously approved and in-process orders will be delivered. The company did not elaborate on the reasons for ceasing operations. Emilio Morales, president of the Havana Consulting Group, a Miami-based consulting firm specializing in market strategies for doing business in Cuba, said platforms like envioscuba.com were operating directly with Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A.

The US sanctions threaten to freeze US assets of foreign companies and even prohibit travel by their investors, employees, and shareholders, virtually eliminating their activity in the US financial system. Spanish hotel chain Meliá recently announced it will cease operations at 15 of the 34 hotels it manages on the island, joining a growing list of companies withdrawing or limiting their operations in Cuba.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.