US to Remove Venezuela from Investment Restrictions List
The Treasury Department is drafting an order to lift foreign investment constraints on Venezuela.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Economic Policy
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The US Treasury Department is drafting a new order to remove Venezuela from a list of countries subject to foreign investment restrictions. This move would lift current prohibitions on US entities investing in sectors including semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Why it matters
The change would mark a significant shift in US economic policy toward Venezuela, potentially opening the country to new investment channels that have been closed since December 2025. Lifting these restrictions could reshape trade ties between the two nations.
Investment restrictions on Venezuela have been in force since December 2025 as part of a list that currently includes Russia, Iran, China, North Korea, and Cuba. The Treasury Department is accepting public proposals to refine the draft order until December 7, 2026.
The players
US Treasury Department
This is a cabinet department of the United States government responsible for managing federal finances and enforcing economic sanctions.
The details
Existing rules currently require US entities to secure federal approval for investments in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, supercomputers, and hypersonic systems. The proposed order would remove Venezuela from this specific regulatory framework.
Timeline
Investment restrictions on Venezuela went into force in December 2025.
The deadline for submitting proposals to refine the draft order is December 7, 2026.
Macro View
This potential policy change mirrors historical shifts in US economic foreign policy where investment barriers are adjusted to align with evolving geopolitical strategies. It follows the established pattern set by the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 regarding how the US government regulates national security-sensitive foreign investments.
The change would potentially allow for increased commercial activity and capital flow between US-based entities and Venezuelan markets. For investors, this may signal a change in the risk profile and availability of certain technology-related ventures within the region.
The takeaway
This draft order indicates a potential easing of economic barriers that have been in place for over a year. Readers should monitor upcoming regulatory updates to understand how these changes might impact cross-border investment opportunities.
What happens next
The public comment period for proposals to refine the draft order remains open until the deadline of December 7, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Economic Policy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Azeri - Press Informasiya Agentliyi.
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Will the U.S. successfully remove Venezuela from its list of restricted investment countries this year?
