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Venezuela to Export First Asphalt Since May

Venezuela has begun its first asphalt export since the U.S. revoked sanctions waivers in May 2025, with the 36,681‑dwt vessel The Judge loading at Amuay Bay. The shipment follows new OFAC general licenses issued on Jan 29 that lifted restrictions on refined product sales to U.S. buyers. A power outage at the Paraguana refinery delayed loading, but the cargo is slated for several southeastern U.S. ports in late February. In the five months before the waiver ended, the U.S. imported 420,000 short tons of Venezuelan asphalt, a 5.3% rise over 2017 levels.