President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a new 25% tariff on countries that purchase Venezuelan energy has sparked sharp condemnation from China, which leads the world in buying oil from the South American country.
The tariffs, set to begin April 2, are aimed at nations that continue to import Venezuelan oil or gas. The Trump administration said the policy responds to a series of hostile actions by Venezuela, including the secret movement of violent criminals into the U.S.
China facing now 45% tariff increase if it keeps buying Venezuelan oil https://t.co/PNAxddhr75
— Sara Eisen (@SaraEisen) March 24, 2025
China’s foreign ministry demanded the tariffs be reversed, accusing the U.S. of overstepping and interfering in the business of other nations. A spokesperson in Beijing said Washington should focus on cooperation, not confrontation.
In his Truth Social post, Trump said Venezuela had “purposefully and deceitfully” allowed tens of thousands of criminals to enter the U.S. He highlighted the Tren de Aragua gang, which the U.S. has labeled a terrorist group.
#FMsays Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun has stated that China is resolutely opposed to Washington's fresh threat of tariffs for countries that buy oil or gas from Venezuela and urged the US "to stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs" and to "abolish the illegal… pic.twitter.com/NQZEmsrGDY
— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) March 25, 2025
Venezuela is under U.S. sanctions already, but the new tariffs go further by targeting countries that continue to do business with its energy sector. With China receiving nearly 55% of Venezuelan oil shipments, it stands to take the biggest economic hit.
The U.S. should stop interfering in #Venezuela’s domestic affairs and lift unilateral sanctions against the country.
The more #tariffs the U.S. imposes, the more they will cost American businesses and households. pic.twitter.com/KPJnl6sL1i
— CHINA MFA Spokesperson 中国外交部发言人 (@MFA_China) March 25, 2025
Other buyers like India, Spain and Cuba may also be impacted. The administration has not detailed how exemptions might work, though Trump has promised flexibility for some U.S. allies.
🚨🇺🇸
CHINA ANGRY
The US will place 25% Tariffs onto any country that buys oil or gas from Venezuela.
However China is their largest buyer of Oil…
Here's my video covering it: pic.twitter.com/J97d3OyCZ1
— Alex Barnicoat (@AlexBarnicoat_) March 25, 2025
Last week, deportation flights to Venezuela resumed after a pause, with nearly 200 migrants — including gang members — sent back. Venezuelan officials had initially stopped accepting the flights over disagreements with the Trump administration.
