Trump against global carbon tax on shipping
“The United States will NOT accept this global green new tax on shipping and will not comply in any way.” – U.S. President Donald Trump
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working on a global mechanism for carbon pricing in the shipping sector. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping and achieve climate goals.
Policy framework
The proposal includes a binding emissions tax for ships operating above a certain carbon footprint. Revenues from this levy would be used for:
- Investment in clean technologies and alternative fuels;
- Supporting developing countries in their energy transition;
- Encourage innovation within the maritime sector.
Impact on the industry
The introduction of a global carbon tax is expected to:
- Higher transportation costs , with possible price increases for goods worldwide;
- Accelerated investment in sustainable shipping technologies;
- Regulatory complexity , especially for shipping companies operating in both global and regional markets (such as the EU ETS);
- Economic impact on developing countries , although the policy also provides financial support for them.
Position of America
America has spoken out against the IMO proposal. The US government states that:
- The measure amounts to a global carbon tax that could have negative economic impacts on American consumers and businesses;
- The proposal is a form of international interference in national economic policy;
- Countermeasures such as trade restrictions and sanctions against countries or institutions that support the proposal will be considered.
America will vote against a global carbon tax proposed by the IMO . In addition, the country has successfully pushed for a delay in decision-making, delaying the introduction of the policy for now.
“We will not tolerate price hikes for American consumers or the creation of a Green New Scam bureaucracy that spends your money on their green dreams.” – Trump on Truth Social.
If the framework is approved in 2026, the global emissions tax is expected to take effect in 2027, with the actual start of levies from 2028. This would make it the first global mechanism to impose both a price on greenhouse gas emissions and binding emission limits on an entire industrial sector .