‘Protective’ border carbon tariffs gaining currency
EU edges closer to import duties based on carbon content amid concern about impact on international trade
Political discussion of Europe’s proposed Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (BCAM) has ramped up in recent weeks, well before any legislative proposal is expected to be published. The European Parliament last week urged the Commission to implement a BCAM by 2023. The UK too has proposed discussions on border carbon tariffs as part of this week’s meeting of G7 leaders while, most recently, Japan’s government revealed it is considering introducing a carbon border tax. The debate has been given renewed impetus by the election of Joe Biden to the US presidency, with a mandate to renew his country’s commitment to climate action. Biden’s hawkish stance on climate issues improve the outlook for a
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined
