The Daily Star Ireland
President-elect Donald Trump has criticized the fees imposed on U.S. ships using the Panama Canal, calling them unfair and suggesting that control of the canal should be returned to the United States. Trump expressed his concerns about China’s increasing influence around the canal, highlighting the importance of the waterway for American businesses that transport goods between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that both the U.S. Navy and commercial interests have been subjected to unjust fees by Panama, which he labeled as outrageous. He insisted that this exploitation must end and emphasized that the canal should be managed solely by Panama, not by China or any other entity.
The Panama Canal, originally completed by the U.S. in 1914, was handed over to Panama under a 1977 agreement signed by President Jimmy Carter. Panama has had full control since 1999. Trump warned that if Panama cannot guarantee the canal’s secure, efficient, and reliable operation, the U.S. would demand the canal’s return without hesitation.
As Trump prepares to take office, he has already begun using his political influence during the final days of President Joe Biden’s administration. He has often claimed that his background as a businessman uniquely qualifies him to advocate for U.S. economic interests.
The Panama Canal is a critical route for about five percent of global maritime traffic, offering a shortcut for ships traveling between Asia and the U.S. East Coast, bypassing the lengthy and perilous journey around South America’s southern tip. The canal’s primary users include the U.S., China, Japan, and South Korea. In October, the Panama Canal Authority announced record revenues of nearly $5 billion for the last fiscal year.
