The US has withdrawn from international discussions in the UK that focus on reducing emissions in the maritime industry.
A document shared with some participants indicated Washington may take “reciprocal action” if charges are imposed on US-flagged vessels, Reuters reported citing a diplomatic note.
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The negotiations are taking place at the UN’s shipping agency headquarters.
The talks at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) are aimed at outlining steps for the sector to cut emissions to net zero by around the year 2050.
A coalition of countries, including European Union members, submitted a proposal to introduce a global levy on greenhouse gas emissions from shipping.
An IMO representative said the agency had not yet received any official notice from the US. It was also uncertain how many of the organisation’s 176 member states had been informed about the US decision.
Maritime transport handles roughly 90% of international trade and contributes close to 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Environmental advocates and institutional investors have urged governments to implement firmer measures, such as a levy on emissions. The EU-backed proposal aims to establish a common financial framework for emissions reduction.
Several nations, including China and Brazil, have resisted the idea of a uniform carbon levy. They argue it would unfairly burden developing countries whose economies rely heavily on maritime trade.
A US State Department spokesperson confirmed on 9 April that Washington would not be “engaging in negotiations” at the IMO, adding that it was the administration’s policy to put US interests first in the “development and negotiation of any international agreements”.
Earlier this year, Trump ordered the US to exit the Paris Agreement on climate for a second time. The move removes the world’s largest historical emitter from the international accord aimed at addressing global warming.
