UN postpones global carbon tax on shipping after US-led opposition

After a U.S.-led campaign, the United Nations postponed a vote on a proposal to impose the world’s first carbon tax on shipping, delaying the decision for a year.

The rule was due to be put to a vote this week as part of the United Nations International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) “Net-Zero Framework.” But a majority of member countries voted to postpone it after failing to reach consensus in the face of American opposition.

Backed by the European Union and Brazil, the plan aims to raise billions from carriers that exceed new emissions limits, channeling revenue into climate adaptation and clean fuels projects in developing countries.

Washington and Riyadh led the opposition. Saudi Arabia presented a motion on Friday to delay talks for a year, which passed with 57 countries in favor and 49 against.

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President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio appear together during a NATO press briefing in Brussels on June 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The Trump administration came out forcefully against the measure this week, calling it an “unconstitutional global tax” that would drive up energy and consumer prices. In a series of statements, President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubioand U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz pledged that the United States would vote a “categorical no” when delegates meet in London on Friday and urged its allies to do the same.

“I am outraged that the International Maritime Organization is voting this week in London in favor of a global carbon tax,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The United States will NOT support or sign up to this new global green tax on shipping. We will not tolerate price increases for American consumers OR the creation of a new fraudulent green bureaucracy to spend YOUR money on their green dreams. Support the United States and vote NO in London tomorrow!”

Administration officials say the framework would give unelected international bureaucrats the power to tax U.S. businesses and consumers without doing much to reduce global emissions.

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A commercial container ship passes through the port of Rotterdam as the United Nations debates a proposed global carbon tax on shipping. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File photo)

“This week, the UN is attempting to pass the world’s first carbon tax, which will increase energy, food and fuel costs around the world. We will not allow the UN to tax American citizens and businesses,” Rubio wrote on X.

“This is a bigger deal than anyone realizes,” U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz said on Fox News.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio photographed at the White House. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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Supporters counter that a uniform carbon price It’s the only way to push the shipping industry – responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions – to reach net-zero emissions targets by mid-century.

The proposal will be decided at Session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in London, until Friday October 17, where nations must reach consensus for it to come into force.