September 4, 2025

The United States has sent a strong message to countries around the world: say no to a United Nations marine fuel deal or risk facing tough punishments. According to US and European officials who spoke to Reuters, Washington plans to impose tariffs, visa restrictions, and port levies on countries supporting this emissions-cutting framework. Here’s the spicy backstory! In April, nations agreed on a draft deal through the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO). The deal wants to charge fees to ships that break global carbon emission standards. This is a big move to clean up the shipping industry’s mess, as it contributes nearly 3% of the world’s CO2 emissions. But the US, under President Trump, pulled out of the talks before the deal was finalized. They say the plan would be a heavy burden on the shipping sector and won't really reduce pollution much. In August, the US declared it would fight back against countries that support the deal. Recently, the US State Department contacted other IMO members with a warning: reject the so-called "Net-Zero Framework" or face consequences. A State Department spokesperson told Reuters the US is "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." They also plan to work with partners and allies to encourage similar actions, though they kept details of private talks secret. Even the Dutch government got a chilly warning. US representatives told them they might face tariffs or other punishments if they back the framework, said a spokesperson for the Dutch ministry of infrastructure and water management. It's unclear which other countries have been warned. The IMO, based in London and made up of 176 countries, manages global shipping safety and pollution rules. Since around 90% of global trade travels by sea, this deal is crucial to slowing the rising emissions trend. The IMO said the October session is the perfect platform to fix any worries before officially adopting the plan. So far, 63 countries support the deal, 16 are against it, and 24 have stayed on the fence. The votes needed to adopt the framework in October remain uncertain, especially if more countries hesitate due to US pressure. Will global efforts to save our seas and skies be crushed by economic threats? The world watches as this marine drama unfolds at the IMO!

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Tags: United states, Imo, Marine fuel emissions, Tariffs, Net-zero framework, Shipping industry,