US courts make up a significant share of movement in the channel. In 2024, 52% of transit through the waterway had ports for origin or destination in the US, the channel’s authorities reported.
Up to 14,000 ships use the channel each year to avoid prolonged and expensive trips on the top of South America.
In his introductory speech, President Trump said he plans to “take” the channel, claiming that China was managing them, and Panama “violated” the promise to remain neutral.
The plan was heavily rejected by Moulino, who said that the key trade route “will remain” in the hands of the country.
He also rejected Trump’s allegations of China’s influence, saying that “there is no presence in the world that hinders our administration.”
Trump has recently confirmed his claim. Despite the fact that he was “not satisfied” with the situation earlier this week, he admitted that Panama “agreed to certain things.” Mulin said his country would not continue his membership on China’s infrastructure construction program, belt and road initiative.
The United States built a channel in the early 20th century, but after many years of protest, President Jimmy Carter signed a contract with Panama in 1977 to gradually convey control over the waterway, which Trump called “a big mistake.”
