U.S. Power Plays Shape Global Climate and Asian Trade Policy

The United States exerted its influence on two critical stages this month, by blocking consensus on global maritime climate regulation in London and sealing a series of trade pacts across Southeast Asia. 

At the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, U.S. pressure proved decisive in delaying adoption of a new net-zero emissions framework for shipping. After weeks of tense negotiation, the vote to postpone the measure by one year passed narrowly, with 57 in favour and 49 against, derailing what would have been the industry’s first global carbon-pricing mechanism.

The U.S. argued that the proposed levy on maritime emissions would raise consumer costs by around 10%, and threatened sanctions, visa restrictions, and port fees against nations voting in favour. Backed by Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Venezuela, the U.S. successfully persuaded several key flag states to withdraw support, effectively halting progress on a binding framework.

The decision has angered environmental groups and investors seeking a predictable framework for green fuel investment. Analysts now warn of fragmented regional carbon schemes, slower progress on decarbonisation, and renewed dominance of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the default transition fuel.

However, the delay appears to have done little to dent the industry’s confidence. In the two weeks since the IMO vote, shipping lines have continued to place significant new-build orders, with the containership order-book ratio surpassing 33% of the global fleet for the first time since 2009. 

More orders are expected in the coming weeks as carriers push ahead with long-term fleet renewal plans, signalling sustained appetite for capacity growth despite regulatory uncertainty.

Trump’s Asia Tour: Trade Wins and Strategic Balancing

Even as Washington disrupted global climate diplomacy, President Donald Trump was securing new trade concessions across Southeast Asia. During his recent tour, the U.S. concluded four separate deals aimed at deepening regional economic ties and diversifying away from China.

• Vietnam agreed to maintain 20% tariffs on U.S. goods but will move toward zero tariffs on selected products. The two countries will also cooperate on digital trade, export-control enforcement and anti-evasion measures.
• Thailand retained its 19% tariff rate but committed to eliminate duties on 99% of U.S. goods, opening a broad range of consumer and industrial markets.
• Malaysia and Cambodia went further, signing comprehensive reciprocal agreements that cap ad valorem tariffs at no more than 19%.

U.S.–China: A Cautious Thaw

Trump’s whirlwind tour culminates on Thursday 30 October with a long-awaited meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, their first in six years. The two leaders will meet on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit, where negotiators have already framed a tentative agreement that would halt new U.S. tariffs and ease Chinese export controls on rare-earth minerals, which are essential for EVs, semiconductors and defence technology.

With U.S. trade agreements, compliance requirements, and sustainability regulations evolving fast, Metro can help you assess exposure and opportunities, maintaining compliance and resilient supply chains. 

EMAIL Andrew Smith, Managing Director, to review the latest policy impacts and ensure your business stays aligned with shifting global trade and environmental frameworks.