Trump Threats Sink Global Shipping Climate Deal as IMO Delays Vote

Members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have voted to postpone adopting a global framework to cut shipping emissions, a setback widely attributed to pressure from Washington after President Donald Trump threatened sanctions against countries that supported it.

The vote on Friday effectively shelved the Net Zero Framework (NZF) for at least a year, even though the measure had already been approved in principle by IMO members back in April. The framework aimed to introduce the world’s first carbon-pricing system for the shipping industry, charging $380 per metric tonne of excess CO₂ emissions while rewarding cleaner vessels.

Trump made his opposition clear the day before the vote, writing on Truth Social:

“I am outraged that the International Maritime Organization is voting in London this week to pass a global Carbon Tax. The United States will NOT stand for this Global Green New Scam Tax on Shipping.”

He followed the post with warnings that Washington would impose sanctions, visa restrictions and port levies on any country supporting the deal.

By Friday, the tone in London had changed. Delegates narrowly voted 57–49 to delay adoption until late next year, a move that stunned environmental advocates and frustrated member states that had backed the deal, including China, the EU, Britain, Brazil and Pacific island nations.

The IMO, a UN body overseeing shipping safety and pollution, said the delay reflected “ongoing consultations,” but insiders described it as the direct result of U.S. political pressure.

A spokesperson for UN chief António Guterres called the outcome “a missed opportunity for member states to place the shipping sector on a clear, credible path towards net zero emissions.”

The International Chamber of Shipping, representing more than 80 percent of the global fleet, voiced similar disappointment.

“Industry needs clarity to make the investments needed to decarbonise,” said Secretary-General Thomas Kazakos.

Russia and Saudi Arabia were among those opposing the framework, calling the negotiations “chaos.” Notably, Argentina and Singapore switched sides and voted to postpone.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has made dismantling climate commitments a hallmark of his second term, pushing fossil fuel expansion, cutting clean energy funding and promising to “drill, baby drill.”