Trump wants Venezuelan heavy oil

Donald Trump’s administration is actively pursuing access to Venezuela’s heavy oil, emphasizing U.S. energy security and providing leverage in dealings with the Maduro government. The U.S. has imposed or threatened 25% tariffs on any goods imported from countries that buy Venezuelan oil, aiming to reduce financial flows to Maduro’s regime and pressure Venezuela’s key customers, such as China, India, and Spain, to decrease their purchases of Venezuelan crude.whitehouse+2​

Trump’s Approach to Venezuelan Oil

Trump’s current policy amplifies sanctions and tariffs as tools to isolate Venezuela while signaling a willingness to negotiate oil-sector access if U.S. interests are prioritized. American refineries rely on Venezuela’s heavy crude, which complements the light oil produced in the U.S., making Trump’s strategy about reshaping trade patterns rather than eliminating Venezuelan oil from U.S. markets outright. Some analysts argue that Trump’s pressure is ultimately designed to secure preferential treatment for American companies—potentially including lucrative contracts for U.S. firms if Maduro shifts exports away from China and other rivals.reuters+3​

Tariffs and Sanctions

• The administration has enacted a 25% tariff on all goods imported into the U.S. from any country that purchases Venezuelan oil, whether the oil is acquired directly or through third parties.cassidylevy+4​

• Secondary tariffs are being floated for countries that facilitate Venezuela’s oil trade, increasing pressure on global trading partners.lloydslist+1​

• The Chevron waiver that allowed limited U.S. oil operations in Venezuela is under review and may be revoked, which would further constrict Venezuelan oil exports to the U.S..bbc+1​

U.S. Refineries and Market Impact

U.S. Gulf Coast refineries, such as Valero and Chevron’s Pascagoula plant, have processed considerable heavy crude from Venezuela in recent years. Trump’s policies, if they decrease access to Venezuelan barrels, could cause a heavy crude supply shortfall in the U.S., particularly as Mexican and Canadian supplies also face constraints.kpler+1​

Maduro’s Counteroffers

Nicolás Maduro has proposed redirecting Venezuela’s oil and mineral wealth to the U.S.—including granting American companies access to new upstream ventures—if the U.S. eases sanctions and offers trade normalization. However, the ongoing standoff and mutual accusations of criminal activity complicate substantive progress.nytimes+1​

Overall, Trump’s explicit interest in Venezuelan heavy oil ties together diplomatic pressure, sanctions, and the opening of future U.S. corporate access, all while targeting rival buyers and defending U.S. refinery interests.whitehouse+3​

1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/imposing-tariffs-on-countries-importing-venezuelan-oil/
2. https://www.cassidylevy.com/news/u-s-plans-secondary-tariffs-on-countries-importing-venezuelan-oil/
3. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgwjxz1e92o
4. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/what-could-maduro-offer-trump-potential-talks-oil-2025-11-25/
5. https://www.kpler.com/blog/trump-policy-on-venezuela-will-be-decisive-for-heavy-crude-markets
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8. https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1152972/Trump-vows-to-tariff-countries-importing-Venezuelan-oil
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14. https://brazilenergyinsight.com/2025/11/26/colombias-petro-claims-trumps-venezuela-push-is-really-about-oil/
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16. https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-launch-new-phase-venezuela-operations-sources-say-2025-11-22/
17. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/climate/trump-energy-drilling-inflation.html
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20. https://breakingdefense.com/2025/11/trumps-heavy-hand-in-latin-america-may-erode-us-power/