Donald Trump's administration, during the UN General Assembly meeting on September 22, 2026, criticized the International Maritime Organization (IMO) carbon plan. Trump expressed his concerns about the plan, describing it as a global carbon tax that could significantly increase transportation costs.
Content of the IMO Carbon Plan
The IMO carbon plan, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in maritime transport, includes stricter requirements for marine fuels and an economic mechanism to impose costs on highly polluting ships. Trump criticized the plan, noting that it could raise international shipping costs by 10 to 20 percent or even more.
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International Reactions and Economic Impacts
The Trump administration also warned countries supporting the plan that they may face economic actions such as tariffs, visa restrictions, and sanctions. These remarks came as IMO member countries prepare to finalize the plan in December. Last year, the United States played a key role in delaying the approval of this plan, using economic threats to prevent its adoption.
This plan, which is part of the IMO's greenhouse gas strategy to achieve zero emissions by 2050, has faced mixed reactions from various countries. While 38 countries have supported the plan, 17 countries, particularly oil-producing nations, have opposed it due to economic concerns and transportation costs.
Despite existing divisions, the core structure of this plan has largely been maintained in the September IMO negotiation session, with discussions focusing more on whether the final regulations provide sufficient assurance for investors. According to the Getting to Zero coalition, thousands of new ships will be ordered in the coming years, which could lock in fuel and technology choices for decades.
Subsequent technical meetings are scheduled for November 23 to 27, and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 85) meeting will take place from November 30 to December 3. The plan is expected to be presented for potential approval at the extraordinary MEPC meeting on December 4.
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