Venezuela and Colombia Trade Hopes Tempered by Sanctions

Caracas, Venezuela – March 14, 2026 – Venezuela is closely observing proposals to expand trade with Colombia, but Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has stated that initiatives like zero tariffs in binational exchange are currently unfeasible due to ongoing sanctions against Venezuela. The comments came during a broadcast on state television following a working meeting with a Colombian delegation in Caracas.

Sanctions Create Unequal Playing Field

Rodríguez affirmed Venezuela’s willingness to strengthen bilateral trade, but emphasized that sanctions create an unequal scenario for Venezuelan producers. “We would like to, but it is not possible, because the Venezuelan people are sanctioned, the Venezuelan producing people are sanctioned (…) we cannot go on equal terms,” she stated, referencing a proposal by Colombian President Gustavo Petro to eliminate tariffs between the two countries. Source: AP News

Protecting National Industries

The Venezuelan government believes it is necessary to protect national productive sectors while sanctions remain in place. Rodríguez reiterated a call for U.S. President Donald Trump to lift the sanctions, arguing that their removal would facilitate greater regional economic integration.

Gas Exports to Colombia Begin

Despite the challenges posed by sanctions, Venezuela has begun exporting Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to Colombia. The export is occurring through the Simón Bolívar Bridge in the state of Táchira, described as a “gesture of goodwill” and a “first donation” by the state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). Source: CNN Español

Future Energy Cooperation

Venezuela also anticipates initiating the supply of methane gas via pipeline through the Antonio Ricaurte gas pipeline in the coming months, aiming to “interconnect gas networks” between the two nations. This is part of a broader “durable energy alliance” between Venezuela and Colombia. Source: CNN Español

Meeting Cancellation and Bilateral Discussions

Recent high-level discussions between the two countries follow the abrupt cancellation of a planned meeting between Presidents Rodríguez and Petro on March 12, 2026, due to “force majeure” and security concerns. Source: AP News Despite this setback, the working meeting in Caracas demonstrated a continued commitment to binational integration and addressing critical issues. Source: Orinoco Tribune

Strengthening Ties and US Relations

Delcy Rodríguez has also been working to strengthen ties with Colombia while simultaneously advocating for the cessation of sanctions against Venezuela to the United States. Source: Diario Las Américas