Trump Criticizes Panama Canal Tolls, Threatens to Take It Back if Prices Aren't Lowered | WPN World People News

On December 22, President-elect Donald Trump criticized the Panama Canal's high tolls for U.S. naval and commercial ships on the social media platform Truth Social, calling it a "rip-off" for the United States. He warned that if prices aren't reduced, he would demand Panama return control of the canal to the U.S. Trump noted that transit fees, calculated based on vessel size and container count, range from $0.50 to $300,000 per ship, which he argued is overly costly for frequent U.S. users.

The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime hub connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, holds significant strategic importance for global trade. The U.S. built and managed the canal in 1914 but transferred control to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaty. Currently, the U.S. is the canal's largest user, with approximately 70% of cargo passing through annually. Trump also expressed concern over China's influence in Panama, noting that a Hong Kong-based company operates a port at the canal's terminus. He criticized former President Carter's decision to relinquish control of the canal.

According to Bloomberg News, while Trump has threatened to demand Panama return the canal, international treaties do not grant the U.S. legal rights to reclaim it. Experts suggest that this stance is more of a political gesture aimed at reinforcing U.S. influence in canal-related affairs and addressing concerns about China's rising power. The Panamanian government has yet to issue an official response. Moving forward, the management and toll policies of the Panama Canal are likely to draw greater international attention.