Khamenei.ir, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
United States President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will use the proceeds from a newly agreed oil arrangement with Washington to purchase products manufactured in the United States. This move signals a deep economic realignment between the two nations.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said on Thursday that the revenue Venezuela earns from selling crude oil to the United States will be spent exclusively on American‑made products, including agricultural goods, medicines, medical devices, and equipment to improve Venezuela’s electrical grid and energy infrastructure.
“I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American-made products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal,” Trump wrote, describing the move as a “wise choice” that would benefit both Venezuelans and Americans.
Context and background
The announcement follows a dramatic shift in US‑Venezuela relations after US forces removed President Nicolás Maduro from power in a military‑supported operation.
Since then, the US has asserted control over Venezuela’s oil sales. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said Washington will market Venezuelan crude indefinitely, starting with an initial shipment of 30 million to 50 million barrels, with sales proceeds held in US‑controlled accounts.
The stated purpose of the oil deal is to generate revenue that can be reinvested in Venezuela’s struggling infrastructure and energy sector, while also securing a reliable supply of crude for international markets.
Analysts say the arrangement gives the US significant leverage over Venezuela’s vast oil resources, which are among the largest in the world.
What this means after removal of Maduro
Experts note that directing Venezuela to buy only American products effectively creates a closed economic loop that could boost US exports and deepen commercial dependency. The requirement underscores a broader strategy by the Trump administration to shape Venezuela’s post‑Maduro economy around US interests.
However, critics argue that the policy raises questions about sovereignty and economic autonomy. China, a longtime purchaser of Venezuelan oil, has already challenged US control over Venezuela’s energy exports, labelling recent actions as violations of international law.
Reactions and next steps
Reactions from global markets and diplomatic observers have been mixed. Some warn that tying oil revenue to exclusive purchases of American goods may limit Venezuela’s flexibility in international trade, while others view it as a potential path to stabilising the South American nation’s economy.
The Trump administration is also reportedly seeking to encourage major US oil companies to invest in restoring Venezuela’s aging oil infrastructure, an effort expected to require substantial capital and long‑term planning.
As implementation unfolds, the oil deal and its economic conditions will be closely watched by governments, industry leaders, and investors worldwide.
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