The carbon tariff proposed by the United States is not only an excuse for protectionism dressed in green drag, but also an act of provocation that will spur a trade war. The tariff would hamstring the rebound from the global recession and hurt the interests of developing countries.

The US House of Representatives in June approved the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act, which included a provision that would let the US levy duties on imports of carbon-intensive goods from countries which do not have a binding target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Imposing carbon duties on imported goods from developing countries will help the US strengthen its competitiveness in international markets and weaken the trade advantages of big manufacturers in China, India and Brazil. Emerging economies more dependent on manufacturing will bear the brunt of the cost of the duties, as their low-carbon technologies are not as advanced as those in richer countries.