The United States has strongly opposed the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) proposal to introduce a global carbon emissions tax on shipping, with President Donald Trump labelling it a “Global Green New Scam Tax.” The U.S. administration has declared it will not comply with the measure and warned of retaliatory actions against nations supporting the policy.
According to President Trump, the proposed tax would impose an “unnecessary financial burden” on American consumers and industries, and he urged the international community to reject the carbon levy.
The U.S. government has hinted at several possible retaliatory steps, including visa restrictions, higher port fees for foreign vessels, and sanctions on officials promoting climate policies seen as harmful to U.S. economic interests.
The IMO, a specialised United Nations agency, aims to ensure safe, secure, and environmentally sound shipping. Its proposed carbon emissions tax seeks to cut global maritime pollution by penalising carbon-intensive fuels and encouraging cleaner technologies.
However, the move has sparked debate worldwide — balancing the urgency of climate action against concerns over economic impact and trade competitiveness.
