Lula government sends new shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba

This Monday (13.Jul.2026) the Brazilian government will begin sending 48 tons of powdered milk as humanitarian aid to Cuba, amid the shortages crisis affecting the Caribbean country. It is, at least, the 3rd humanitarian shipment sent by Brasília to the island since the beginning of 2026.

The operation is coordinated by ABC (Brazilian Cooperation Agency), linked to Itamaraty. The products are supplied by Conab (National Supply Company). Transport is provided by the FAB (Brazilian Air Force), on 2 flights to Santiago de Cuba.

The 1st plane took off at 2:10 pm (July 13) this Monday from the Canoas Air Base (RS), with 16 tons of powdered milk. Arrival in Cuba is estimated for Wednesday (July 15).

The 2nd flight leaves on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) from Porto Alegre airport, with the remaining 32 tons. The estimated arrival date is also Wednesday (July 15).

The sending was defined after a meeting on July 9, 2026, when the president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) discussed the issue with the Chief Minister of the Civil House, Miriam Belchior; the Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro; Chancellor Mauro Vieira; the Minister of Agrarian Development, Fernanda Machiaveli; the Air Force commander, lieutenant brigadier Marcelo Damasceno; and the president of Conab, Sílvio Porto.

Government had already sent 2 shipments this year

In March 2026, Itamaraty confirmed a 1st shipment of 2.5 tons of medicines —among them, items against tuberculosis— and the preparation of a 2nd larger batchthen estimated at around 20,800 tons of non-perishable items, such as rice, beans and powdered milk, in addition to 80 tons of medicines.

In May 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to the Poder360 that the first 2 shipments had already been completed. The government did not disclose the final volume actually delivered in the 2nd shipment. At the time, Itamaraty was articulating a new operation in partnership with Spain and Mexico, via the PMA (World Food Program), to reduce freight costs.

The Brazilian government, however, denies any help in the energy area. With shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Petrobras would suffer immediate sanctions from the United States if it were to supply fuel to the Caribbean country – which makes this type of initiative unfeasible.

Brazil’s position on the issue was conveyed by President Lula to Donald Trump (Republican Party) in the last meeting with the North American, on May 7.

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In 2025, Brazil had already donated food to Cuba in response to Hurricane Melissa, whose effects are still felt in the Santiago de Cuba region.

New donations of food and medicine are still being evaluated by the Brazilian government.

The donation of food to other countries follows law 12,429, of 2011, amended by law 13,001, of 2014. The rule establishes the sending of rice, beans, corn, powdered milk and vegetable seeds in cases of disasters, public calamities or food insecurity abroad.

It is up to ABC to define the quantity and recipient of the products. Conab makes the items available from existing stocks, takes care of storage and contracts, through a public auction, transportation to the port of embarkation. The international route is coordinated by Itamaraty.