in effect
This is Executive Order 14245, signed March 24, 2025, invoking presidential emergency economic powers (IEEPA and the National Emergencies Act) tied to the existing national emergency over Venezuela. It directs the federal government to impose a new import tariff on countries that buy Venezuelan oil, and assigns Cabinet officials to run and enforce it.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. EDT on April 2, 2025, a 25% tariff may be placed on all goods imported into the U.S. from any country that imports Venezuelan oil, whether bought directly from Venezuela or indirectly through a third party. The Secretary of State decides, at his discretion (in consultation with Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Trade Representative), which countries get the tariff, and the Secretary of Commerce determines whether a country has imported the oil. This 25% charge is added on top of any tariffs the country already faces, and it expires one year after that country’s last purchase of Venezuelan oil (or earlier if Commerce decides). If the tariff is applied to China, it automatically extends to Hong Kong and Macau to limit rerouting, and State and Commerce must report to the President on the policy’s effectiveness within 180 days and at least every 180 days after.
The direct targets are foreign governments and economies whose countries import Venezuelan crude oil or petroleum products, since their exports to the U.S. could be hit with the extra 25% charge. U.S. importers and businesses buying goods from those countries would pay the higher duties, and the order names China, Hong Kong, and Macau specifically as linked if China is targeted. The order creates no legal rights anyone can enforce in court and leaves existing Venezuela-related sanctions and orders in place.