The U.S. Imposes Secondary Tariff on Venezuela Over Influx of Criminals
Trump announced a 25% tariff on countries cooperating with Venezuela, accusing it of sending thousands of criminals and terrorists to the United States.
Photo: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0
Donald Trump announced the imposition of a secondary U.S. tariff against Venezuela.
The reason, according to him, was the deliberate sending of tens of thousands of dangerous criminals to the United States, including members of the violent gang Tren de Aragua, which has been designated a terrorist organization.
According to Trump, Venezuela is acting deceitfully and endangering national security. Starting April 2, 2025 — which he called "America's Liberation Day" — any buyer of Venezuelan oil or gas will be required to pay a 25% tariff when trading with the U.S.
The decision has already been communicated to the Department of Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and other law enforcement agencies. The U.S. has also initiated the process of returning criminals to Venezuela.
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs of up to 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico. The decision was made on March 23 under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The stated reason was a national security threat due to fentanyl. According to authorities, 97% of the substance enters through the southern border, and the number of drug labs in Canada has increased.
The measures will remain in place until the countries actively combat drug cartels. Trump stated that the crisis poses a threat to Americans' health.
It was also reported that France is urging the European Union to deliver a strong response to the U.S. and, for the first time, activate the anti-coercion instrument if Donald Trump introduces new tariffs on April 2, which Paris considers unfair — including the possibility of trade counter-sanctions.