US President Donald Trump has renewed his opposition to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, criticizing the proposed global greenhouse gas emissions pricing mechanism during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22.

Trump described the measure as a potential “global carbon tax,” claiming it could increase international shipping costs by 10% to 20% or more. His administration has maintained that there should be no global taxation imposed through the IMO.

The IMO framework would introduce progressively stricter greenhouse gas fuel-intensity requirements for ships, alongside an economic mechanism requiring higher-emitting vessels to make compliance payments while providing incentives for lower-emission ships.

The framework was initially approved in April 2025, but its adoption was postponed for one year after member states failed to reach agreement. Further negotiations are scheduled before the framework returns for possible adoption at an extraordinary MEPC session on December 4, 2026.