US President Donald Trump has renewed his opposition to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, accusing the UN shipping agency of seeking to impose a global carbon tax that would increase shipping costs. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump said his administration had previously intervened to block what he described as the IMO’s attempt to establish a “first-ever global carbon tax”.
He claimed the measure could increase international shipping costs by 10 to 20 per cent or more. “There is no global government,” Trump said. “And while I’m president, there will be no global taxes.” The remarks come as IMO member states prepare to resume negotiations ahead of a potential December vote on the framework, which would introduce tighter greenhouse-gas intensity requirements for marine fuels alongside an economic mechanism for ships with higher emissions.
The Trump administration played a key role in last year’s decision to postpone adoption, including threatening countries backing the framework with possible tariffs, visa restrictions, port fees and sanctions. While Washington describes the proposed mechanism as a global carbon tax, supporters refer to it as a greenhouse-gas pricing system linked to ships’ emissions performance.
The proposal remains contentious. Supporters argue that carbon pricing is necessary to encourage investment in cleaner marine fuels and help meet the IMO’s target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. Opponents, including the US and several oil-producing countries, have raised concerns about its impact on shipping costs and wider economies.
The framework could generate an estimated $10 billion to $15 billion annually, with how the revenue is raised and distributed among the key issues still under negotiation. Further technical negotiations are scheduled for 23–27 November, followed by the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting from 30 November to 3 December.
The framework is expected to return for possible adoption at an extraordinary session on 4 December.