10 October 2025 at 05:29 pm IST
The United States has warned it may impose sanctions, visa restrictions, and trade penalties on countries that vote for a United Nations plan to cut carbon emissions from global shipping. The proposal, set for a vote next week at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to establish a Net-Zero Framework for international shipping, which accounts for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In a joint statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy condemned the plan, calling it an “unsanctioned global tax regime” that would drive up costs for “American citizens, energy providers, and shipping companies.” Supporters of the IMO framework, including several major container carriers, argue that global regulation is essential to prevent a patchwork of national rules that could slow the industry’s decarbonization efforts. However, oil tanker companies have voiced “grave concerns” about the economic impact. U.S. officials warned that countries backing the proposal could face blocked port access, new fees, and sanctions on government officials linked to “activist-driven climate policies.” The move underscores Washington’s sharp departure from international climate cooperation.
