New Tariffs on Countries Importing Venezuelan Oil  

Diaz Reus - On March 24, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a new Executive Order ("E.O")  imposing a 25% tariff on goods imported from any country that imports Venezuelan oil, either directly or indirectly. This measure is part of the new administration’s broader effort to increase economic pressure on the Maduro regime in Venezuela, which continues to be designated as a national security threat under U.S. law, as originally declared in E.O. 13692.

The tariffs, which will be effective after April 2, 2025, will apply to goods imported from countries that have been determined by the Secretary of State, in consultation with other U.S. Government agencies, to have imported Venezuelan oil. Once a country is designated by the Secretary of State under the E.O., the tariffs will remain in effect for at least one year from the last date that the country imported Venezuelan oil, unless an earlier expiration date is determined by the Secretary of Commerce. Pursuant to the E.O., the Government will perform reviews every 180 days to assess the effectiveness of the new tariffs and "the conduct of the Maduro regime."

Additionally, the E.O. authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretaries of the Treasury, Commerce and Homeland Security, as well as the United States Trade Representative, to administer and enforce the new tariffs. It also grants the Secretary of Commerce the authority to issue regulations to ensure compliance with the E.O.

The E.O. explicitly states that it does not create any enforceable rights or benefits to any party against the U.S. government.

DRT Commentary

As the E.O.’s implementation date approaches, international businesses should carefully assess the impact of the new tariffs and consider updating their policies, procedures, and
business agreements to mitigate potential legal consequences. Companies importing from, or exporting to, designated countries should closely monitor announcements from the relevant Government agencies and seek additional regulatory guidance necessary.

DRT has extensive experience in counseling individuals and international organizations on matters involving Sanctions compliance.

* By Michael Diaz, Jr, Javier Coronado Diaz, Isabela Hernández-Peredo Martínez.
** This editorial is not intended to serve as legal advice. No legal opinions are intended, nor should any be inferred. You are welcome to contact us to discuss legal solutions tailored to your needs and the specific circumstances of your situation.

Michael Diaz, Jr., Global Managing Partner, mdiaz@diazreus.com
Javier Coronado, Partner, jcoronado@diazreus.com

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