The Cuban e-commerce platform, Tuambia, declared on Thursday that it will cease operations beginning May 1st, 2025, and will no longer accept new orders via its website. In an official statement shared on its Facebook page, the company explained that this "difficult yet necessary" decision was driven by a challenging economic climate that has made it unsustainable to continue operations while maintaining the expected quality standards.
"We wish to inform you that as of May 1st, 2025, Tuambia has suspended its operations, and new orders can no longer be placed on our website," stated the message addressed to customers. Nevertheless, the company assured that all orders placed by April 30th will be delivered within the designated timelines, and their customer service team will remain active during the closure process to address any issues.
For years, Tuambia facilitated the shipment of products to Cuba from abroad, becoming a popular option for families and expatriates wanting to supply their loved ones on the island. In their farewell message, the company expressed gratitude for the support received, highlighting notable achievements: over 1.2 million deliveries made and more than 360,000 Cuban households served.
"Thanks to you, we completed over 1,200,000 deliveries and reached more than 360,000 Cuban homes. Together, we created something unique," concluded the statement, signed with a heartfelt "Thank you for being part of the Tuambia family."
The Rise and Fall of a Prominent Enterprise
Registered as a micro, small, and medium enterprise (mipyme) on July 8, 2022, under number 4160, Tuambia SURL was led by entrepreneur Yoel Perdomo Di-Lella, a graduate in Tourism and Managerial Consulting for Tourism Enterprises. Perdomo is the brother of former Deputy Prime Minister Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella, who was ousted in October 2024, as reported by CubaNet.
Despite its official registration for "meat product manufacturing," Tuambia marketed itself from the outset as an online store offering national delivery services and selling in-demand imported items. The news portal highlighted that the company also operated a fast-food service called Jámazon, a brand parodying Amazon, which, like Tuambia, benefited from the logistical infrastructure of Palco S.A., a state-run entity experienced in imports and distribution.
This connection with Palco reinforced perceptions of institutional backing from the start of the mipyme, which is speculated to have contributed to the removal of Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella from his position. Yoel Perdomo was regarded as one of the island's leading private entrepreneurs, involved in at least three businesses until his brother's political downfall.
One of these businesses was registered in Panama as a "foreign capital" company, while the other two operated as mipymes and self-employed ventures in areas such as food, beverages, hardware, and electronics. His entrepreneurial journey began in the 1990s, transitioning from a maître d' at the Comodoro Hotel and employee at Marina Hemingway to joining the inner circle of Abraham Maciques at the Convention Palace, marking his entry into economic circles closely aligned with political power.
Understanding Tuambia's Suspension of Services
Why is Tuambia halting operations in Cuba?
Tuambia is stopping its operations due to an unsustainable economic environment that prevents maintaining the quality standards expected by customers.
What will happen to existing orders placed before May 1st?
All orders placed by April 30th will be fulfilled within the established timeframes, and the customer service team will remain available to handle any issues during the closure.
Who was behind the establishment of Tuambia?
Tuambia was founded by Yoel Perdomo Di-Lella, a prominent entrepreneur with ties to political figures, notably his brother, former Deputy Prime Minister Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella.