The United States has issued a stern warning to countries, including those in the Caribbean, regarding an upcoming vote on the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Shipping Framework (NZF). The NZF, aimed at reducing emissions in the maritime sector, is set for adoption during the Marine Environmental Protection Committee meeting in October 2025. The US has labeled the framework as a ‘European-led neocolonial export of global climate regulations’ and has vowed to impose economic penalties on nations that support it. A joint statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, and Secretary of Transportation Sean P Duffy emphasized the US’s commitment to protecting its economic interests and rejecting any measures that could increase costs for American citizens, energy providers, and shipping companies. The NZF, approved in April 2025, seeks to align international shipping emissions with the 2050 net-zero target through a Global Fuel Standard, a carbon price mechanism, and a credit trading system. The US argues that the framework could lead to a 10% increase in global shipping costs and impose an unsanctioned global carbon tax. The US is considering actions against countries that support the NZF, which it views as a threat to global economic stability.
US issues warning to Caribbean countries ahead of IMO vote on net-zero shipping framework
