Venezuelans see early signs as economy may begin to reopen

The removal of Nicolás Maduro has prompted U.S. moves to ease restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports and renewed investor interest, while economists say any recovery will depend on restoring oil output, reducing inflation and addressing large external debt.

Venezuela is at a fragile turning point after the removal of Nicolás Maduro, with early diplomatic and market moves suggesting a possible reopening of oil exports and renewed investor interest. U.S. officials have begun steps to ease restrictions on Venezuelan crude, and Caracas has announced a cooperation agenda with Washington. Markets have reacted: the Caracas Stock Exchange saw recent gains and international banks are planning visits to assess opportunities. At the same time, inflation remains extremely high, the currency is unstable, and external debt and weak oil infrastructure constrain how quickly any recovery could proceed. Key facts: - Venezuelan authority changes and a declared cooperation agenda have led to early U.S. moves to ease oil export restrictions and to renewed interest from investors. - Economists in Caracas say recovery is likely to depend largely on restoring oil output and on tighter monetary policy to bring down inflation. - Inflation was estimated near 480 per cent for 2025 by one researcher, and official figures are not publicly available. - Before debt restructuring or broad financial normalization can proceed, Venezuela needs access to foreign accounts, creditor assessments of assets abroad and an agreed legal framework for negotiations. Summary: The developments have prompted cautious market optimism but the situation remains highly conditional on political stability, credible economic policy and a sustained recovery in oil flows. Important procedural steps include restoring access to foreign financial channels and defining legal terms for any debt restructuring; the timing of those steps is undetermined at this time.