Oil Sanctions Drive a 12% Decline in Venezuela-China Trade During the First Half of 2025
Photo: Prensa Presidencial.
Bilateral trade between Venezuela and China fell by 12% during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to recent figures released by the Venezuelan-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. The downturn is primarily attributed to ongoing international sanctions affecting Venezuela’s oil exports, which remain the main pillar of its commercial relationship with China.
Between January and June 2025, the total trade volume reached USD 1.6 billion, down from USD 1.82 billion in the same period last year. Oil remains Venezuela’s chief export to China, while Chinese imports include machinery, electronics, and consumer goods.
Despite the contraction, China continues to be one of Venezuela’s key trading partners. However, experts warn that the sanctions have significantly reduced operational capacity for both public and private actors involved in the energy trade. The difficulty in fulfilling long-term contracts and navigating international logistics has added pressure to an already strained supply chain.
Business representatives in Venezuela have reiterated the need to diversify export sectors, highlighting agriculture and mining as strategic areas to strengthen the trade balance with China. Meanwhile, both countries are reportedly exploring new avenues of cooperation in technology, infrastructure, and renewable energy as part of broader efforts to revitalize bilateral commerce.
Observers note that the largely diplomatic and stable nature of China-Venezuela relations remains intact, but that meaningful growth in trade will depend on easing external restrictions and expanding non-oil commercial initiatives.
* Original text in Spanish. Translated by Large Language Model (LLM) technology.
Main Source:
Comercio entre Venezuela y China cayó 12% en el primer semestre por sanciones petroleras – Banca y Negocios
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