State Continues Defense Sales Ban on Cuba

Following last week's announcement of sanctions on Cuban baseball players [13751] the State Department announced the determination that Cuba did not fully cooperate with U.S. counterterrorism efforts in 2024 and has re-certified the country as a “Not Fully Cooperating Country” (NFCC) under Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act.

This designation prohibits the sale or export licensing of U.S. defense articles and services to Cuba.  

According to the State Department, Cuba refused to engage on the return of at least 11 U.S. fugitives residing on the island, some facing terrorism-related charges. The Cuban government’s unwillingness to discuss the matter and other terrorism-related law enforcement issues rendered counterterrorism cooperation efforts ineffective during the reporting year.

Alongside Cuba, the Secretary of State also re-certified the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela as NFCCs.