# Venezuela Becomes Fastest-Growing U.S. Trade Partner Surge in oil imports raises questions about trade policies. - **Source:** [Forbes - Business](https://brifing.si/source/e0310925-a7af-4d4b-80a7-c80d400e49fa) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cf7f8036-dfd6-4deb-a8e9-b7832aa7eadf ## Record Surge in Oil Imports U.S. oil imports from Venezuela surged by 455% in May, reaching $1.06 billion. This marks the highest import figure in recent years. ## Contradiction in Trade Deficit The U.S. trade deficit with Venezuela rose to $2.35 billion. This contradicts the goals of energy independence. ## Trump Administration Policies The Trump administration increased oil imports from Venezuela, moving away from energy independence goals. This raises questions about trade policies. ## Fluctuations in Oil Prices Looking at the tonnage of oil imported from Venezuela, the impact of price fluctuations becomes clearer. May imports were the highest since 2019. ## Energy Independence Goals U.S. energy independence goals clash with increasing oil imports from Venezuela. This situation calls for a reevaluation of trade policies. ## Future of Trade Policies The growing trade deficit with Venezuela challenges U.S. energy independence goals. This will shape future trade policies. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenroberts/2026/07/21/venezuela-is-fastest-growing-us-trade-partner-in-2025/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._