President Donald Trump has announced a significant escalation in trade tensions, targeting countries that purchase oil or gasoline from Venezuela. In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that the U.S. will impose 25% tariffs on imports from these countries, effective April 2.
This move is part of a broader effort to sanction Venezuela, which Trump accuses of “purposefully and deceitfully” sending criminals into the United States. The President claims that Venezuela is intentionally flooding the U.S. with migrants who commit crimes as gang members. Furthermore, Trump asserts that Venezuela has been hostile to the United States and its values.
The tariffs will apply to any country that purchases oil or gas from Venezuela, forcing them to pay a 25% tariff on any trade they conduct with the U.S. This move is likely to have significant implications for global trade and diplomacy.
Trump’s decision comes on the heels of his recent attempt to deport over 200 Venezuelans alleged to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Despite a federal judge blocking the use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, the deportation flights proceeded.
The April 2 effective date for the tariffs coincides with the implementation of Trump’s long-promised reciprocal tariffs affecting all countries. Trump has dubbed this date “liberation day in America.” The move is likely to spark a significant response from affected countries and the global trade community.
