- Washington threatens tariffs, visas, and port levies.
- State Department pushes allies to reject framework.
- The Netherlands receives a US warning on support.
The United States is pushing other nations to turn down a United Nations initiative aimed at reducing marine fuel emissions. They’ve warned that countries supporting the plan could face tariffs, visa restrictions, and port fees, as reported by U.S. and European officials. Back in April, the Trump administration withdrew from discussions just before a draft agreement was reached at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), aiming to boost U.S. influence in global shipping, reports Reuters.
Draft Deal and US Retaliation Threats
The proposed IMO agreement would impose fees on ships that fail to meet global carbon emissions standards. Washington contends that these measures would only burden the shipping industry with extra costs while doing little to actually cut emissions. In August, they issued a warning about potential retaliation against nations that back the agreement.
A State Department spokesperson said the U.S. was “actively exploring and preparing to act on remedies, including tariffs, visa restrictions, and/or port levies should this effort succeed in the October IMO extraordinary session vote”.
Diplomatic Warnings to Allies
The U.S. has privately approached IMO member states, urging them not to adopt the so-called “Net-Zero Framework”, according to four sources. The department said it was engaging “our partners and allies” to propose they take similar measures, while declining to comment on “private diplomatic discussions with other countries.”
The Dutch government has confirmed that it received a verbal warning. According to a spokesperson from the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, U.S. government representatives informed the Netherlands that it could face tariffs or other actions if it chose to support the framework.
Global Shipping and the Role of the IMO
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), based in London and made up of 176 member states, is responsible for regulating safety and pollution in international shipping. Global shipping accounts for nearly 3% of total CO2 emissions worldwide, with 90% of global trade taking place at sea. If no action is taken, emissions are expected to rise significantly.
An IMO spokesperson noted, “The upcoming (IMO) session in October provides the appropriate platform to address any concerns from member states ahead of the adoption process.”
Uncertain Path to Adoption
The draft agreement got the green light from 63 states, while 16 voted against it and 24 chose to abstain. To move forward, a majority will be necessary for final approval. Sources indicate that it’s still uncertain whether the framework can succeed if more countries decide to abstain in the upcoming vote in October.
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Source: Reuters
