President Donald J. Trump has announced the imposition of tariffs on countries importing Venezuelan oil, citing national security concerns and the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. The decision comes under the authority of various U.S. laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and follows a continuation of the national emergency regarding Venezuela.
Trump stated that "the actions and policies of the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States." He highlighted activities by Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal organization from Venezuela, as intensifying this threat.
The order will allow for a 25 percent tariff on goods imported into the United States from any country that imports Venezuelan oil, directly or indirectly, starting April 2, 2025. These tariffs are intended to be supplemental to existing duties imposed under other authorities.
The Secretary of State, in consultation with other key officials, is authorized to determine whether these tariffs should be applied. The duration of these tariffs will depend on whether a country continues to import Venezuelan oil.
Existing sanctions against Venezuela remain in place due to ongoing issues such as undermining democratic institutions and economic mismanagement by Maduro's regime. Trump emphasized that "the systematic undermining of democratic institutions" continues to be a significant concern for U.S. interests.
Furthermore, any prior presidential directives inconsistent with this new order will be modified or terminated as necessary. Special measures are also outlined if tariffs are imposed on China concerning Hong Kong and Macau regions.
Periodic reports assessing the effectiveness of these tariffs will be submitted by the Secretary of State and Commerce every 180 days.
The new order is set to take effect at midnight eastern daylight time on April 2, 2025.
