The U.S. Imposes Tariffs on All Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil
This move introduces a broader application of tariffs by targeting all imported goods from the affected countries instead of focusing on specific industries.
According to a new Executive Order signed on March 24, 2025, the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from any country that imports Venezuelan oil—either directly or indirectly—starting April 2, 2025.
This measure applies to the importation of Venezuelan crude oil and petroleum products, including any material that is extracted, refined, or exported from Venezuela.
It also includes indirect imports, such as when oil is routed through another country or intermediary before arriving in the importing country.
The new tariffs will be in addition to any existing duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, or other tariffs by other authorities.
This move aims to address the ongoing national emergency concerning Venezuela. It builds on the existing sanctions that were declared in Executive Order 13692 on March 8, 2015, with the additional sanctions imposed in 2017, 2018, and 2019 still in effect.
According to the White House, the Maduro regime's actions and policies that prompted those sanctions “continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.”
The countries that import Venezuelan oil will be determined by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Once a country is identified, a 25% tariff will apply to all its exports to the United States and will remain in effect for one year from the last date that Venezuelan oil was imported by that country.
However, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the other agencies, may modify the length of this tariff period.
Additionally, the Secretary of Commerce may issue regulations, provide guidance, and make necessary determinations to execute the order.
It may also coordinate with other federal departments and agencies to ensure compliance and take any other lawful actions needed to achieve the purpose of the Executive Order.
In the event that the Secretary of State decides to impose the tariff on China, the tariff will also apply to both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region—as a measure to reduce the risk of transshipment and evasion.
With the new tariffs coming into effect soon, it is advisable to take proactive measures to ensure compliance and avoid any delays or additional costs. Steps to consider include:
At Cole International, we offer customs and compliance consulting services to help businesses navigate changing tariffs and trade regulations.
We also provide timely and efficient customs brokerage services to facilitate the entry of goods into the U.S.
If you believe you may be importing goods from countries that import Venezuelan oil, please get in touch with one of our trade professionals to discuss how to minimize potential disruptions and avoid unexpected costs.