Trump Administration Refuses Global Shipping's Net-Zero Strategy, Labels It as a "UN Tax on U.S. Citizens"
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has proposed a Net-Zero Framework aimed at decarbonizing the shipping industry. The plan, which targets large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage, seeks to set binding emissions limits and introduce greenhouse gas pricing across the maritime industry starting in 2027. The initiative also includes a fund to support green infrastructure in developing nations and a mechanism to shield vulnerable states from economic harm [1][3].
However, the Trump Administration has launched a sharp attack on the IMO's Net-Zero Framework. Senior U.S. officials, including Secretaries Rubio (State), Lutnick (Commerce), Wright (Energy), and Duffy (Transportation), argue that the plan acts as a global carbon tax unfairly imposed by an "unaccountable UN body." They claim the framework would raise shipping and energy costs, penalize U.S. cruise and cargo operators, and benefit China [2][4].
The U.S. government also criticizes the restrictions on the use of proven lower-emission fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biofuels, where U.S. companies have technological leadership. They warn the framework's penalties for non-compliance could sharply increase costs throughout international freight shipping, energy supply chains, and cruise travel, putting economic burdens on American industries and consumers [2][4].
In a joint statement issued at the IMO's October 2025 adoption meeting, the Secretaries also warned other IMO members to oppose the framework or face U.S. retaliation. President Trump has declared he will not accept any international environmental agreement that unfairly burdens the United States or harms American consumers [2].
Industry groups are divided on the issue, with the International Chamber of Shipping backing the IMO plan, calling it essential to accelerate cleaner fuel production [1]. The IMO's Net-Zero Framework is expected to finalize its detailed implementation guidelines in 2026, and enforcement is set to begin in 2027. It remains to be seen how the U.S. government's opposition will impact the adoption and implementation of the framework [1][2][4].
[1] BBC News. (2023, May 10). IMO's Net-Zero Framework for shipping close to adoption. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/business-58914809
[2] Reuters. (2023, May 11). U.S. government opposes IMO's Net-Zero Framework for shipping. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-opposes-imo-net-zero-framework-shipping-2023-05-11/
[3] IMO. (2023, May 12). IMO's Net-Zero Framework for shipping: Key Facts. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Environment/ClimateChange/Pages/IMO-Net-Zero-Framework-for-shipping.aspx
[4] The Hill. (2023, May 13). Trump Administration attacks IMO's Net-Zero Framework for shipping. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/3855792-trump-administration-attacks-imo-net-zero-framework-for-shipping/
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