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2026-11-04 02:20:26
[US Reportedly in Talks with Venezuela for Second Aluminum Shipment] According to sources, Venezuela is in talks with US trading firm Mercuria Energy Group and private mining investment firm Heeney Capital for a second shipment of aluminum to the US, expected to ship before the end of the year. The size and terms are likely similar to the first shipment of 15,000 tons that arrived in New Orleans at the end of September. Both sides are also negotiating separately with the Venezuelan government to seek operation of the state-owned Venalum aluminum smelter. This resumption of trade is part of the rebuilding of business relations between the US and Venezuela since the US arrested former Venezuelan President Maduro in January. Venezuela's new Foreign Minister Oliver Blanco met with US Secretary of State Rubio and Treasury Secretary Bessenter in Washington on Monday. Aluminum is considered a critical mineral by the US, and this deal reflects the increasing involvement of US companies in Venezuela's mining and metals industry, while highlighting the contradictions of Trump's metals trade policy: on the one hand, promoting Venezuelan aluminum imports, and on the other hand, protecting US producers from supply shocks from other sources through high tariffs.
