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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced this Monday through his social network Truth Social that he will impose a 25% tariff on countries that purchase oil or gas from Venezuela.
In his message, Trump justified the measure by stating that the government of Nicolás Maduro has sent "deliberately and deceptively" tens of thousands of criminals to the United States, including members of the Tren de Aragua, a group designated as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization."
"We are in the process of returning them to Venezuela. It is a big task!" he stated. Additionally, he described the Venezuelan government as "very hostile" towards the United States and the freedoms it upholds.
Trump specified that any nation that buys oil or gas from Venezuela must pay a 25% tariff on any trade it conducts with the United States.
"All documentation will be signed and registered, and the fee will come into effect on April 2, 2025, Liberation Day of America," he wrote.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions between the two countries. In early February, Venezuela and the United States reached an agreement for the deportation of Venezuelan migrants, with Caracas committing to accept all repatriated individuals.
However, in recent weeks, the process has become complicated, with Maduro's government refusing to accept certain flights with deportees, which has led the Trump administration to warn about severe sanctions if Venezuela does not comply with the agreed terms.
Precisely, one of them was the revocation of the "concessions" granted by former President Joe Biden to the Maduro regime concerning oil transactions and electoral conditions signed on November 26, 2022.
Furthermore, the U.S. government has accused the Venezuelan regime of misleading about the conduct of repatriation flights for citizens of that country deported from U.S. territory.
This has led to many of the deported Venezuelan migrants, identified by the White House as members of the Tren de Aragua, being put on flights bound for the Guantanamo Base and to El Salvador, a country that has committed to receive them and imprison them in a maximum-security facility.
The measure announced by Trump would directly impact countries such as China, India, and some allies in Latin America, who have continued to purchase Venezuelan oil despite U.S. sanctions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Tariffs on Countries Purchasing Oil from Venezuela
What measure has Trump announced regarding countries that buy oil and gas from Venezuela?
Donald Trump will impose a 25% tariff on countries that purchase oil or gas from Venezuela. This measure is part of his strategy to pressure Nicolás Maduro's government, which he accuses of sending criminals to the United States and being hostile toward the American country.
Why has Trump decided to impose these tariffs on countries that trade with Venezuela?
Trump justifies the imposition of tariffs due to the Maduro government having "deliberately and deceitfully" sent thousands of criminals to the United States, including members of the criminal group Tren de Aragua. The tariff aims to sanction trade with Venezuela because of these actions and the hostility of the regime towards the United States.
When will the tariffs announced by Trump come into effect?
The 25% tariffs will come into effect on April 2, 2025. Trump has referred to this date as the "Day of America's Liberation," marking a milestone in his pressure policy against the Maduro regime.
What impact could this measure have on the international relations of the United States?
The measure could affect countries like China, India, and some allies in Latin America, who continue to buy Venezuelan oil despite U.S. sanctions. This could lead to diplomatic and trade tensions with these countries.
What actions has the Venezuelan government taken in response to Trump's policies?
In response to Trump's deportation policies and pressure, Venezuela has agreed to resume repatriation flights for migrants and has expressed its readiness to welcome its deported citizens. The Venezuelan government has hired law firms to represent its nationals in the United States and El Salvador.
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