Venezuela's exports of crude oil and fuel fell 11.5% in March month-on-month as Washington's imposition of secondary tariffs and the cancellation of key licenses to operate in the U.S.-sanctioned energy sector led to delays and cargo suspensions,

The new measures would represent the most aggressive US siege against Venezuela’s economy thus far, posing the threat of mass death and a renewed exodus.

Oil prices tumbled on Thursday as Opec+ unexpectedly announced plans to boost production just as sweeping US tariffs stoked fears of a global economic slowdown. Eight Opec+ members, including Saudi Arabia and Russia,

The levies were seen as more aggressive than expected, with a 10 percent duty on all exports to the US and even higher rates on about 60 nations.

Global economic growth fears are mounting–just look at oil prices. Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, slumped 5.6% to $70.79 per barrel early Thursday. West Texas Intermediate futures were down 6% to $67.

Stock indexes tumbled on Thursday, with the S&P 500 down more than 4%, while the U.S. dollar weakened and oil prices fell more than 6% as President Donald Trump’s drastic U.S. trade tariffs stoked fears of a global recession and led investors to seek safe-haven assets like bonds and the yen.

Oil prices fell on Thursday as the decision by the OPEC+ group to speed up unwinding of oil output cuts in May compounded already heavy losses following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of sweeping new import tariffs.

The combination of lower oil prices and higher costs for essential materials like steel pipe threatens to squeeze domestic oil and gas producers.