Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2026-01-08 14:19Core Viewpoint - U.S. oil giants are extremely cautious about re-entering the Venezuelan market despite President Trump's pressure for investment, with industry leaders demanding clear legal and financial guarantees from Washington [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Climate - The geopolitical shifts have severely impacted investor confidence, with widespread concerns about political, legal risks, and the low oil price environment hindering substantial investments [2]. - U.S. energy companies believe that without formal government backing, large-scale projects in Venezuela are unlikely to proceed [3]. - A senior executive from a major U.S. energy company emphasized the need for "serious guarantees" from the government before committing to investments in Venezuela [3]. Group 2: Policy Uncertainty - Investors are worried about the continuity of policies beyond the current presidential term, raising concerns about legal, financial, and political risks associated with investing in Venezuela [4]. - Questions about the legitimacy of the Venezuelan government and the legal framework for contracts further exacerbate capital's risk-averse sentiment [4]. - Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged that U.S. oil giants are unlikely to invest billions in new infrastructure in Venezuela in the near term [4]. Group 3: Global Energy Strategy - The Trump administration's takeover of Venezuela's oil sector is viewed as part of a broader agenda to reshape global energy trade according to U.S. terms [5]. - Despite signals from the U.S. government allowing oilfield service companies to operate in Venezuela, industry executives believe that administrative orders and political pressure are insufficient to mitigate actual business risks [5]. - The current environment in Venezuela is still regarded as a "high-risk area" for energy giants accustomed to long-term planning and stable returns [5].