In a Truth Social post, Trump justified the new "secondary tariff" by alleging that Venezuela has sent "tens of thousands" of violent individuals to the U.S. The policy marks another escalation in Washington’s economic pressure campaign against President Nicolás Maduro's government.

Earlier this month, Trump revoked a key license that had allowed Chevron to continue limited oil operations in Venezuela since 2022, citing a lack of progress on electoral reforms and migrant deportations. Without an extension, U.S. imports of Venezuelan oil will end in early April.

China and Other Buyers Affected

Venezuela’s largest oil buyer, China, is among the nations most affected by the move. In February 2025, China imported 503,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Venezuelan crude and fuel, accounting for 55% of total exports. Other significant buyers include Spain, Italy, Cuba, and India, all of whom could face economic repercussions.

Broader U.S. Pressure on Venezuela

The tariff announcement follows Trump’s recent use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to justify the deportation of Venezuelan migrants, specifically targeting alleged members of the Tren de Aragua gang without final immigration court rulings.

The U.S. has long sanctioned Venezuela’s oil sector, aiming to weaken Maduro’s government. However, the Biden administration had eased restrictions in 2022, allowing Chevron to operate under strict conditions. Trump’s decision to reverse this policy signals a return to maximum economic pressure, with the new tariff raising questions about how Venezuela’s trade partners will respond.