- Trump announces a 25% tariff on goods from countries trading with Venezuela’s oil or gas sector, effective April 2.
- The U.S. government begins expelling Venezuelan nationals linked to the Tren de Aragua, a criminal group tied to Maduro’s regime.
- Critics warn these measures may worsen Venezuela’s economic crisis, while Trump officials defend the actions as necessary to pressure Maduro.
U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a 25% customs duty on goods from countries engaging with Venezuela’s oil or gas sector. The tariff takes effect on April 2 as part of his plan to further isolate Venezuela’s government.
Trump’s sanctions target international partners who maintain energy ties with Venezuela, avoiding direct oil flows to the U.S., which remain restricted. He aims to use these tariffs as leverage, particularly against countries that support Venezuela’s energy industry. This decision fits into his broader effort to strengthen U.S. positions in trade negotiations.
The new trade policy also includes “reciprocal” tariffs on several U.S. trading partners. Trump seeks to boost domestic industries by imposing tariffs, which aligns with his strategy to revitalise the American economy. The 25% import tax on goods linked to Venezuela is part of his administration’s more significant overhaul of U.S. trade practices.
Trump applies these customs duties to tighten global trade. By increasing tariffs, he aims to pressure foreign governments into making more favourable trade deals with the U.S. This aggressive stance reflects Trump’s broader “America First” policy, prioritising U.S. economic interests over global cooperation.
In addition to the trade measures, the U.S. government has started expelling Venezuelan nationals. U.S. authorities claim some of these individuals have ties to the Tren de Aragua, a criminal group that the U.S. recently labelled a terrorist organisation. Officials accuse this group of operating on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz emphasised the group’s threat, prompting U.S. authorities to use an exceptional legal framework. This framework, typically reserved for wartime conditions, enables faster expulsion of individuals. Trump’s government sees these expulsions as part of a broader crackdown on Venezuelan nationals while tightening policies against Maduro’s administration.
Since taking office, Trump has escalated efforts to undermine Maduro’s government by applying sanctions and pushing diplomatic isolation. His latest tariff announcement continues that effort, putting additional pressure on countries that support Venezuela’s energy sector.
Critics argue Trump’s tariffs and expulsions will harm ordinary Venezuelans rather than the government. They believe the U.S. approach could worsen Venezuela’s economic crisis and add to the hardship of its citizens. However, Trump officials maintain that these measures are necessary to force Maduro to step down and allow for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela.
As the April 2 deadline approaches, countries trading with Venezuela’s energy sector decide to either comply with U.S. demands or deal with the new tariffs. Trump’s latest move could have far-reaching consequences for global trade and Venezuela’s political and economic future as the country grapples with ongoing turmoil.oil and gas sector