"US says it opposes economic measures against its ships based on GHG emissions. IMO discussions continue despite US withdrawal. China, Brazil oppose flat carbon levy on shipping."

"LONDON - The United States has withdrawn from talks in London looking at advancing decarbonisation in the shipping sector and Washington will consider "reciprocal measures" to offset any fees charged to U.S. ships, according to a diplomatic note seen by Reuters.

Delegates are at the U.N. shipping agency's headquarters this week for negotiations over decarbonisation measures aimed at enabling the global shipping industry to reach net zero by "around 2050".

A State Department spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that Washington would not be "engaging in negotiations" at the U.N.'s International Maritime Organization (IMO), adding that it was the administration's policy to put U.S. interests first in the "development and negotiation of any international agreements".

An initial proposal by a bloc of countries including the European Union, which was submitted to the IMO, had sought to reach agreement for the world’s first carbon levy for shipping on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions."

Jonathan Saul, Michelle Nichols and Kate Abnett report for Reuters April 9, 2025. [2]