Venezuela Braces for Economic Collapse From U.S. Blockade

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Anatoly KurmanaevJanuary 6, 2026 at 06:01 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Venezuela faces a potential economic collapse in 2026 due to a U.S. blockade on its energy exports. Internal government projections estimate a 70% drop in oil production this year, crippling the country's primary revenue source. The U.S. is targeting tankers carrying Venezuelan crude, paralyzing exports and forcing the state oil company, PDVSA, to use storage tanks as temporary holding. Storage capacity is expected to run out by the end of January, leading to a rapid production decline from 1.2 million to under 300,000 barrels per day. This drastic reduction would severely limit Venezuela's ability to import goods and maintain essential services. The U.S. Secretary of State stated that sanctions would remain until Venezuela opens its oil industry to foreign investment.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Marco Rubio 30% TankerTrackers 40% Trump administration 50% Caracas ×260% PDVSA ×370% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×270% United States ×280% Venezuela ×1090%

Keywords

venezuela 100% economic collapse 90% u.s. blockade 90% oil production 80% humanitarian crisis 70% energy exports 70% pdvsa 60% oil tankers 50% public revenue 50%