President Donald Trump says Venezuela will use all proceeds from its exclusive oil deal to purchase only American‑made products.
The announcement signals a dramatic realignment of trade priorities between the two nations.
Trump shared the news late Wednesday on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing that Venezuela’s purchases “will include, among other things, American Agricultural Products, and American Made Medicines, Medical Devices, and Equipment to improve Venezuela’s Electric Grid and Energy Facilities.”
The statement came amid broader developments tied to a new arrangement in which Venezuela agreed to sell heavy crude oil exclusively to the United States following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
In his Truth Social post, Trump also said he is asking Venezuela to sever economic ties with China, Cuba, Russia, and Iran.
He described Caracas’ commitment to the United States as “a wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States.”
The deal will focus on Venezuelan heavy crude a type of oil that only a limited number of US refineries are equipped to process. However, most US crude production is light, meaning imports are needed to fully supply domestic refineries. Countries like Canada and Mexico currently fill this heavy crude niche.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a private briefing with lawmakers, said the United States believes it can exert leverage over Caracas because its current oil tankers are full.
He added that US estimates suggest Venezuela might become insolvent within weeks without access to broader markets.
The United States used to be the main buyer of Venezuelan oil before relations between the two countries turned strained.
In recent years, sanctions blocked Venezuela’s access to shipping, global markets, and the diluents needed to refine its heavy crude, isolating the industry.
The Venezuela to buy only American products pledge marks an unusual directive tied directly to economic policy.
Moreover, the emphasis on American agricultural goods, medicines, and energy infrastructure equipment reflects efforts to boost US exports even as global markets adjust to shifting geopolitical dynamics.
