US inflicted severe blows on global economy: Venezuela's Maduro

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
29 Apr 2025 13:13

The Venezuelan leader condemns US global conduct and praises rising Venezuela-China ties, citing economic growth, diversification, and a break from IMF institutions.

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A handout picture released by the Venezuelan Presidency shows Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gesturing during an official TV show in Caracas on April 21, 2025 (Venezuelan Presidency / AFP)

The United States is attempting to impose conditions on countries to drag them into hostility with China, indicated Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, adding that "Washington acted poorly when it attacked the world."

Speaking during his weekly program, Maduro emphasized that the US has inflicted severe blows on global supply and logistics chains, impacting its own domestic economy. He warned that further side effects may emerge in the future.

Earlier this month, Washington imposed a 25% tariff on imports of Venezuelan oil and gas—a move analysts say could most severely affect China, Venezuela’s largest oil buyer.

The Venezuelan leader underscored that Washington must correct its course and abandon attempts to dominate and colonize the world, asserting that the 21st century has no place for imperialism or threats against nations.

He also praised the American people’s awareness, saying they understand the importance of building positive relations with China and the world and are demanding an end to hegemonic policies, as well as rejecting the stigmatization and discrimination of migrants.

US President Donald Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on most US trading partners and a separate 145% levy on many products from China. Beijing has responded with 125% tariffs of its own on US goods.

Strengthening partnership with China National Petroleum Corporation

Separately, Maduro announced the strengthening of the strategic partnership between Venezuela and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), highlighting that bilateral ties have reached the highest levels of trust and mutual reliance.

He noted that Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez made a successful working visit to China to focus on the details of economic coordination between the two countries.

Maduro also confirmed that Venezuela has recorded 16 consecutive quarters of economic growth, highlighting a notable surge in commercial activity and harmonized growth across all economic drivers, with oil no longer being the sole engine of expansion.

The Venezuelan president added that entrepreneurship grew by 59% in 2024 and affirmed that his country has severed all ties with the International Monetary Fund and its affiliated institutions.