UPDATE – MARCH 25, 2025: WHITE HOUSE ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER CLARIFYING 25% SECONDARY TARIFF ON VENEZUELAN OIL TRADE
The White House published a late-night executive order providing clarification on the application, administration, and enforcement of the upcoming 25% tariff on imports from countries that purchase oil from Venezuela.
1. Tariff Scope and Applicability – Effective April 2, 2025, a 25% tariff may be applied to all goods imported into the United States from any country that imports Venezuelan oil—whether acquired directly from Venezuela or indirectly through third parties.
NOTE: This tariff will be in addition to any existing tariffs imposed under authorities such as 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 applicable U.S. trade laws.
2. Authority to Impose Tariffs – The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretaries of Treasury, Commerce, and Homeland Security, and the U.S. Trade Representative, is authorized to determine whether the 25% tariff will be imposed on goods from countries engaged in Venezuelan energy trade.
NOTE: If the Secretary of State elects to apply the tariff to China, the measure will also extend to the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions. This provision is intended to reduce the risk of transshipment and tariff evasion through alternative ports of entry under Chinese jurisdiction.
3. Tariff Duration – Once imposed, the tariff remains in effect for one year after the country’s last import of Venezuelan oil, unless lifted sooner. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the above officials, may terminate the tariff earlier at their discretion.
NEW 25% VENEZUELAN SECONDARY TARIFF GOES INTO EFFECT APRIL 2, 2025
The White House announced a new “Secondary Tariff” policy that will apply a 25% duty on imports from any country that purchases oil or gas from Venezuela. The tariff goes into effect on April 2, 2025, and applies to all subsequent trade between those countries and the United States.
This new measure adds to a series of recent U.S. trade actions, including separate 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union, China, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Canada, as well as renewed Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum products.
VENEZUELAN OIL AND GAS TARIFF COMPLIANCE: POTENTIAL IMPACT ON U.S. IMPORTERS
The policy applies to third-party countries engaged in oil and gas trade with Venezuela. Goods imported from these countries will be subject to an additional 25% duty when entering the United States regardless of the product’s direct connection to the energy trade. This tariff will be applied in addition to all other applicable duties and fees.
U.S. importers sourcing goods and materials from countries including China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Dominican Republic may need to investigate the potential impact on their supply network under this new policy.
All U.S. importers—especially those with multi-country supply chains—are advised to:
- Monitor supplier relationships for exposure to Venezuelan energy trade
- Partner with licensed customs brokers for compliance guidance
- Evaluate alternative sourcing and other mitigation strategies available
As of the publication date, no Federal Register notice has been issued. U.S. importers remain without formal implementation guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), though further clarification is expected before the April 2 effective date.
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