<p>This study focuses on the impact of carbon neutrality commitments on the international competitiveness of multinational enterprises, with particular emphasis on the moderating role of industry heterogeneity. Based on panel data analysis of 348 Global 500 multinational enterprises (2018–2024), the research constructs a multi-dimensional international competitiveness evaluation system and carbon neutrality commitment intensity indicators, examining the moderating effects of four industry characteristics: carbon emission intensity, technological innovation capability, degree of internationalization, and institutional pressure. Empirical results show that carbon neutrality commitments significantly enhance enterprise international competitiveness overall, but exhibit an inverted U-shaped nonlinear relationship; industry characteristics significantly moderate the relationship between carbon neutrality commitments and international competitiveness, with the promotional effect of carbon neutrality commitments on international competitiveness being more significant in industries with high carbon emissions, high technological innovation, high internationalization, and high institutional pressure. This industry heterogeneity primarily functions through four mechanisms: cost-benefit structure, innovation transformation, market access, and legitimacy signals. The research results remain consistent under various robustness tests and endogeneity treatment methods. Based on empirical findings, this study provides theoretical guidance for multinational enterprises to formulate differentiated carbon neutrality strategies aligned with industry characteristics, and also provides empirical evidence for governments to design policy tools that balance emission reduction effects and industrial competitiveness, helping to promote low-carbon sustainable development of the global economy.</p>