Mon Mar 24 18:32:39 UTC 2025: ## Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on Countries Buying Venezuelan Oil, New Revenue Agency

**Washington D.C.** – President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs targeting countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas, escalating his ongoing pressure campaign against the Maduro regime. Effective April 2nd, any nation importing Venezuelan energy products will face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States.

Trump, in a Truth Social post and subsequent White House cabinet meeting, cited Venezuela’s alleged hostility towards the US and its contribution to US migration as justification. He further announced plans to impose tariffs on pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and aluminum, also beginning April 2nd, which he termed “American Liberation Day.”

The move is widely seen as targeting China, the largest consumer of Venezuelan energy. The President’s announcement also included the creation of a new “External Revenue Agency,” tasked with collecting these tariffs beginning April 2nd. This announcement has drawn criticism, as the US Customs and Border Protection already handles tariff collection, and the creation of a new agency would require Congressional approval.

The new tariffs represent a continuation of Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Venezuela, which began during his first term and included sanctions and a reward for Maduro’s arrest. While a recent agreement with Venezuela to accept deported migrants appeared to signal a shift, Trump’s latest actions demonstrate a renewed focus on economic sanctions.

Critics warn that the tariffs could negatively impact American consumers through higher prices. Countries potentially affected include China, Spain, Brazil, and Turkey. The impact is further complicated by Venezuela’s declining oil production, which has fallen significantly over the past two decades. Despite this decline, Venezuela’s petroleum exports were valued at $13.68 billion in 2023 according to OPEC. The long-term economic and geopolitical implications of Trump’s actions remain to be seen.

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