Sheinbaum Opposes US Tariffs Against Venezuelan Oil Purchases

President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the US government's plan to impose a 25% tariff on countries purchasing oil or gas from Venezuela, emphasizing that the measure would not affect Mexico.

“We do not agree with imposing economic sanctions on countries. It is a fundamental principle of Mexican foreign policy,” she stated, arguing that such measures harm entire populations rather than just governments or individuals.

Her remarks came in response to US President Donald Trump’s March 24 Executive Order, which enforces a 25% tariff on all goods from nations importing Venezuelan oil. The policy, set to take effect on April 2, grants Secretary of State Marco Rubio the authority to determine which countries will be subject to the sanctions.

The Trump administration asserts that these tariffs aim to cut off financial resources to Nicolás Maduro’s regime, curb its destabilizing influence, and combat transnational criminal organizations like the Tren de Aragua gang. The order also extends to Hong Kong and Macau if applied to China, preventing transshipment and circumvention.

Despite the policy, Sheinbaum reassured that Mexico remains unaffected, as it does not import oil from Venezuela. “Our goal is to maintain oil production at 1.8MMb/d throughout the administration, refining it in our own facilities for gasoline and diesel supply,” she affirmed.

Trump defended the tariffs as a tool to protect US interests and pressure those supporting Maduro. “Access to our economy is a privilege, not a right,” he stated, underscoring his administration’s reliance on economic measures to advance national security.