Unites States President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of the IMO’s net-zero climate strategy, calling it a “global carbon tax on Americans” and warning of retaliatory measures against countries that support it. The plan, set for a final adoption vote in October, would introduce new global fuel standards and a CO2 pricing mechanism from 2027 to fund renewable fuel uptake. Economists warn that US non-compliance could weaken the IMO’s authority, deter other nations from backing the measures, and delay progress toward the 2040 and 2050 decarbonisation targets.

US support remains crucial to global agreement
Trump argues that the targets are “unattainable” and would drive up costs for shipping, energy, and leisure travel, with penalties potentially reaching millions of dollars per vessel. Senior US officials echoed his stance, framing the policy as harmful to the economy and advantageous to competitors such as China. While the World Shipping Council has reaffirmed its support for the plan, a US refusal – particularly if combined with retaliatory trade measures – could undermine momentum for what was intended as a landmark global agreement to decarbonise the maritime sector.