Imposing Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil

Authority:

• Issued by President Donald J. Trump under the Constitution and various acts, particularly the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act.
• Continues the national emergency declared regarding Venezuela.

Threat Assessment:

• Actions and policies of Nicolás Maduro's regime threaten U.S. national security.
• Activities of Tren de Aragua gang, a designated terrorist organization, have exacerbated this threat.
• Venezuela's support for illicit activities warrants further economic measures.

Key Actions:

• Designation of Tren de Aragua:

  • Identified as a Foreign Terrorist Organization due to violent activities destabilizing communities.
  • Acknowledges the prior administration's policies contributed to their infiltration in the U.S.

• Existing Sanctions:

  • Sanctions from multiple Executive Orders remain in effect due to continued threats from the Maduro regime:
    • Undermining democratic institutions.
    • Economic mismanagement and corruption.
    • Humanitarian and public health crises.
    • Regional destabilization through migration.

• Tariff Implementation:

  • Starting April 2, 2025, a 25% tariff on goods imported from countries importing Venezuelan oil (directly or indirectly).
  • The Secretary of State can impose these tariffs at their discretion.

Implementation Authorities:

• Various Secretaries (State, Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security) authorized to determine compliance and impose tariffs.
• Coordination for assessing oil imports and compliance across executive departments.

Reporting Requirements:

• Periodic reports to be submitted to the President every 180 days assessing tariff effectiveness and Maduro's actions.

Definitions:

• "Venezuelan oil" includes crude oil and petroleum products from Venezuela; "indirectly" covers purchases through intermediaries.

Effectiveness:

• Order becomes effective at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on April 2, 2025.

Legal Provisions:

• Clarifies that the order does not impair existing legal authorities and does not create enforceable rights against the U.S.