The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: Opportunities and Challenges for Non‐EU Countries

ABSTRACT The European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) represents a groundbreaking policy to address global climate change by mitigating carbon leakage and aligning international trade with environmental objectives. As the first initiative of its kind, CBAM imposes carbon pricing on imported goods, encouraging non‐EU producers to meet stringent environmental standards. This mechanism not only supports the EU's ambitious Green Deal targets but also drives innovation, fostering a global transition to low‐carbon technologies. This paper offers an analysis of CBAM's design, phased implementation, and possible impacts. While CBAM drives technological advancements and strengthens climate governance, it also poses challenges, including compliance burdens for developing nations and potential geopolitical tensions. CBAM also promotes sustainable economic transformation by encouraging exporters in carbon‐intensive sectors to adopt green technologies, enhancing competitiveness and resilience. However, without financial and technical assistance, compliance costs risk deepening global inequalities. This study underscores CBAM's dual role as an environmental policy and a catalyst for equitable sustainability, linking economic, environmental, and technological dimensions. The findings highlight how trade policies can address global challenges, drive innovation, and reshape international climate governance, offering insights for policymakers navigating the complexities of sustainable development.