25% Tariffs on Countries that Import Venezuela Oil

Mar. 25, 2025
By: Ashley J. Bodden

On March 24th, President Trump issued an executive order imposing tariffs on countries importing Venezuelan oil beginning on or after April 2, 2025. Earlier that morning Trump posted on Truth Social that “Venezuela has been very hostile to the United States and the Freedoms which we espouse. Therefore, any Country that purchases Oil and/or Gas from Venezuela will be forced to pay a Tariff of 25% to the United States on any Trade they do with our Country.”

According to the executive order, the 25 percent tariffs can be imposed on all goods imported into the United States from any country that imports Venezuelan oil, whether directly from Venezuela or indirectly through third parties. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will have the “discretion” to impose the tariffs, if determined by the Department of Commerce that a country is importing Venezuelan oil. This would be in addition to any other tariffs imposed under IEEPA, Section 232 and Section 301.

It is not clear whether the tariff will start on future purchases made, or whether it applies to purchases made within the past few months. However once imposed, the 25 percent tariff will expire one year after “the last date on which the country imported Venezuelan oil,” or earlier if the Commerce Department decides to lift them.

China has been Venezuela’s largest oil buyer ahead of the United States, India, Columbia, Brazil, European countries, and many more. China has already strongly opposed the tariffs, calling “on the US to stop interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs and abolish the illegal unilateral sanctions imposed.” Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guo Jiakun also stated that “increasing tariffs will only impose greater losses on American business and consumers.”

Should you have any questions regarding tariffs or any other trade-related questions, do not hesitate to contact any attorney at Barnes, Richardson & Colburn, LLP.