Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to reconsider the management terms of the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging excessive fees for the use of this strategically significant waterway.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump noted that the United States, which built and managed the canal for decades, showed “excessive generosity” by transferring it to Panama in 1999 after a period of joint administration.
The fees Panama charges are unjustified, especially considering the tremendous gift they received from the United States. If Panama does not honor the moral and legal obligations tied to this generous act, we will demand full and unconditional control of the canal’s return, Trump stated.
The Panama Canal, through which approximately 5% of global maritime traffic passes, plays a crucial role in global trade by allowing ships to avoid the lengthy and dangerous route around South America’s southern tip. The primary users of the canal include the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea. Last fiscal year, canal operations generated a record $5 billion in revenue.
Previously, Trump had threatened to impose high tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China if he were to return to the White House, raising concerns about a potential trade war.
