Overview
- On August 12, Secretaries Rubio, Lutnick, Wright and Duffy issued a joint statement officially rejecting the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework.
- The administration argued the framework would impose a global carbon levy on U.S. shipping that drives up costs and precludes use of LNG and biofuels.
- Washington warned it will pursue retaliatory actions against member states that support the measure ahead of an October vote requiring two-thirds majority approval.
- The April agreement by simple majority pairs new ship fuel standards with a tiered levy projected to raise about $40 billion by 2030 and cut emissions roughly 8%.
- IMO members remain split over implementation timing, equity provisions and whether to use a flat levy or a credit-trading system as they prepare for formal adoption talks.