The US exits global shipping carbon talks as the country has formally withdrawn from current London-based efforts to promote decarbonization in the world’s shipping industry. Washington released a diplomatic letter stating that if any taxes are introduced on American ships due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions laws, the U.S. will consider “reciprocal measures.”

The third meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), which is taking place from April 7 to April 11, is currently underway at the headquarters of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO). The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ways to assist the shipping industry in achieving net-zero emissions by approximately 2050.

A group of nations, including the European Union, presented an initial proposal for review. It calls for the first carbon charge on shipping-related GHG emissions to be implemented globally.

The United States responded by stating in the demarche that it “rejects any and all efforts to impose economic measures against its ships based on GHG emissions or fuel choice.” The statement urged other states to reevaluate their support for the planned emissions regulations and underlined that the United States will not be taking part in the IMO’s MEPC deliberations this week.

Washington Threatens Reciprocal Measures

The United States threatened to “compensate the American people for any other economic harm” stemming from such emissions limits and to explore enacting reciprocal policies to offset fees imposed on its ships if such “blatantly unfair” measures are enacted.

The number of IMO member nations that received the diplomatic communication sent to multiple ambassadors was not specified.

Washington also stated that it opposes any plans that would use money collected from pollution controls to finance initiatives not related to the maritime sector. “Opposes any proposed measure that would fund any unrelated environmental or other projects outside the shipping sector,” the memo states.

The IMO said on Wednesday that it has not received any official communication from the U.S. regarding its decision to leave the negotiations.

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Broader Context and Reactions

The announcement that the US exits global shipping carbon talks has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders, with some warning that the move could weaken global momentum toward cutting emissions in the maritime industry to make more significant efforts to lessen its environmental impact.

Approximately 90% of global trade is currently handled via shipping, which also contributes to over 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions. A carbon charge has been suggested to encourage decarbonization in this highly polluting industry.

On Tuesday, inquiries to U.S. authorities for a response were not immediately answered.

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