President Donald Trump has announced new secondary tariffs on Venezuela and any country that buys oil and gas from the South American nation. The tariffs, set at 25%, will take effect on April 2, 2025, and are part of a broader effort to address issues such as crime and immigration. Trump claims Venezuela has been sending “undercover” criminals, including members of the violent Tren de Aragua gang, to the U.S. and has labeled the gang a “Foreign Terrorist Organization.” He also pointed to Venezuela’s hostility toward the U.S. and its values as a reason for the sanctions.

In addition to the tariffs, Trump has vowed to revoke Venezuela’s license to export oil to the U.S., a significant blow to the country’s economy. This move follows a series of sanctions and economic pressures against Venezuela, which Trump says are necessary for national security. Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez has previously argued that U.S. sanctions have led to an increase in the number of Venezuelans crossing the U.S. border. Meanwhile, Trump continues to challenge trade relations with various partners, including Canada, China, Mexico, and the European Union.