Could the US oil blockade snuff out the Cuban cigar?
Since January, the Trump administration has blocked foreign oil to Cuba. Will the island’s cigars survive the crisis?
![A Havana local smokes a cigar on the Malecón - the city’s waterfront area. Both domestically and abroad, Cuban cigars are becoming an increasingly rare luxury. [Euan Wallace/ Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC02741-1775944580.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![Cabbage farmers in the Philippines are harvesting their crops at a loss as prices plunge and fuel costs soar, amid a national energy emergency linked to the US-Israel war on Iran. [Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/image-1774472350.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
![3 Shyam Kalpadia, from Koraput in Odisha, said he introduced many of his friends to Kerala's tea business [Amit Malaviya/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/3-Shyam-Kalpadia-from-Koraput-in-Odisha-said-he-introduced-many-of-his-friends-to-Keralas-tea-business-1-1771256421.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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EU, Mercosur bloc sign free trade deal after 25 years of negotiations
European and South American leaders say pact sends ‘clear signal’ amid concerns over global tariffs, isolationism.
Thousands of Irish farmers protest EU’s Mercosur trade deal
Farmers flood the streets of Athlone to raise concerns over the trade deal’s impact on Ireland’s beef industry.
As Trump’s tariffs hit Indian fox nuts, the superfood eyes new markets
Fox nuts remain unaffected by US tariffs due to strong domestic demand, coupled with emerging new markets.
US wants to sell GM soya and corn to India, farmers wary
India has not opened its market to GM soya or corn, one of the sticking points in US trade talks.
EU delays trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc as farmers protest
EU delays Mercosur trade deal until January amid farmer protests and opposition from France and Italy.
From: NewsFeed
Protesting farmers clash with police as EU debates trade deal
Angry farmers drove their tractors into Brussels and faced tear gas from police as EU leaders debated a trade deal.
Published On 18 Dec 2025
EXPLAINER
Why are French farmers objecting to EU-Mercosur trade deal?
France wants stronger safeguards for farmers and is urging the EU to delay a vote on Mercosur, threatening imports.
EXPLAINER
Trump’s $12bn aid package: Are tariffs bleeding US farmers?
Trump says funds will be made available from tariff revenues and promises trade policies will make US farmers ‘strong’.
‘Like wastelands’: Sri Lanka tea plantations suffer Cyclone Ditwah’s wrath
The worst cyclone to hit the island in a century uprooted fully-grown crops of tea, a key source of export revenue.
Trump announces $12bn package to aid US farmers hurt by his tariffs
Farmers have been dogged by trade wars that have seen reduced purchases and increased prices on seeds and fertiliser.
