U.S. and Venezuela in Talks to Resume Venezuelan Oil Exports to America
HOUSTON/WASHINGTON — U.S. and Venezuelan officials are in active negotiations over exporting Venezuelan crude oil to the United States, marking a potential shift in energy relations that could reshape global oil flows and U.S.–Venezuela ties. Sources close to the discussions say these talks could redirect millions of barrels previously intended for China and revive Venezuelan shipments that stalled under sanctions and export blockades.
The discussions come amid continued political and economic turmoil in Venezuela, where state oil producer **PDVSA has struggled to export crude due to a blockade imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration in December 2025. Venezuelan officials, the White House and industry leaders have been exploring practical pathways to re-establish exports to U.S. refiners, many of which historically relied on Venezuelan heavy crude before sanctions tightened in 2020.
Under the proposal being discussed, some Venezuelan crude now stuck in storage — loaded on tankers or held onshore — could be reallocated from Asian markets to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries, increasing exports while helping PDVSA avert deeper production cuts. The shift could also involve discussions on auction mechanisms for U.S. buyers and new licensing arrangements for PDVSA’s partners so that American companies can participate in supply contracts.
Currently, Chevron operates as the main conduit for Venezuelan oil shipments to the United States, exporting between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day under U.S. authorization, even as broader export activity has been limited. Industry and government sources say this setup could expand if broader export terms are agreed upon with Caracas and Washington.
The potential deal would mark a notable development in U.S.–Venezuela energy relations after years of sanctions and diplomatic tension. It could relieve pressure on Venezuela’s battered oil sector, inject additional crude into the U.S. market and offer economic leverage to both sides amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
