Energy Secretary Chris Wright applauded the Trump administration‘s move last week to delay an international carbon tax on shipping, calling it a victory as the U.S. ramps up pressure against global climate policies.
Last week, the U.S. successfully pushed members of the International Maritime Organization to delay a vote on adopting the net-zero framework, which would impose a carbon tax on shipping. For months, the Trump administration has worked to block this international carbon tax, arguing that it would impose unfair burdens on the U.S.
The motion to delay the vote on the measure was reportedly introduced by Singapore and called to a vote by Saudi Arabia. The motion passed with 57 countries voting in favor of a delay, 49 voted against, and 21 abstentions. The delay surprised many IMO member states, a London-based specialized agency within the U.N., who had believed there was strong enough support for the measure.
At the America First Policy Institute’s 2025 Global Energy Summit on Wednesday, Wright called the administration’s efforts to delay a vote on the carbon tax a “massive victory.” The secretary noted that he called nearly 20 countries about the vote. He added, “We have the world’s most influential megaphone by far.”
“I will tell you that the ‘it’s going to happen crowd’ was very disappointed last week when the global carbon tax and net zero shipping fuels went down in flames,” Wright said.
Members of the IMO initially voted in April to approve the net-zero framework and a carbon tax, agreeing to charge shipping companies for greenhouse gas emissions from their vessels if they exceed a certain threshold. However, the Trump administration’s effort now delays the vote by one full year.
“Last week’s IMO is a pivot point in this whole climate nonsense. We’re going to come back to the realistic views of energy, and President Trump is just all in on American energy dominance. That’s a win, not just for America. That’s a win for the world,” Wright added.
Delaying a vote on the IMO’s carbon tax marks another win for the Trump administration’s efforts to influence international climate policy. The Department of Energy on Wednesday stepped up its pressure on global climate action, sending a letter to the European Union regarding its corporate sustainability rules.
TRUMP SAYS US WON’T COMPLY WITH PROPOSED CARBON TAX ON SHIPPING INDUSTRY
The Energy Department, along with Qatar, sent a letter to the EU urging members to roll back the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). The U.S. and Qatar argued that the rule would disrupt the trade in liquefied natural gas to Europe.
The rule requires firms operating in the EU to address human rights and environmental issues throughout their operations and supply chains. For non-compliant companies, the EU will impose a fine of up to 5%.
“[T]he CSDDD, as it is worded today, poses a significant risk to the affordability and reliability of critical energy supplies for households and businesses across Europe and an existential threat to the future growth, competitiveness, and resilience of the EU’s industrial economy,” the letter reads.
The European Parliament agreed to negotiate further changes to the rules during a scheduled vote before the U.S. letter was sent, aiming to finalize the changes by the end of the year.
