Why is Trump threatening to take control of the Panama Canal? What is its importance to the world?

In a move that sparked widespread controversy, US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to restore US control over the Panama Canal, accusing the Central American country of imposing excessive fees on use of the waterway, according to the global Yahoo Finance website.

In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump described the tariffs imposed by Panama on US ships as “ridiculous,” stating that this “plunder” of his country must stop immediately.

Trump also expressed his concern about the growing Chinese influence around the canal, stressing that the management of the canal should remain under the control of Panama only, without interference from China or any other party.

What does this mean for the world economy?

The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world, linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, facilitating the movement of global trade. About 5% of global maritime traffic passes through the canal, making it a vital artery for international trade.
Read also: The President of Panama responds to Trump’s threats to control the canal

Any tension or change in channel management may lead to disruptions in global supply chains, increased shipping costs, and delays in the delivery of goods. In addition, diplomatic relations between the United States and Latin American countries may be affected, which would negatively impact economic and trade cooperation in the region.

International reactions

Trump’s statements sparked mixed reactions. In Panama, President José Raul Molino defended his country’s sovereignty over the canal, stressing that every square meter of the canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama.
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For its part, China confirmed that it does not control the canal, and that Chinese companies only manage some ports at the entrances to the canal. However, any escalation in this context could lead to geopolitical tensions affecting the global economy.

The website concluded: “Trump’s threats to regain control of the Panama Canal reflect his concerns about tariffs imposed on American ships and potential Chinese influence in the region. However, any move in this direction could lead to widespread economic and geopolitical repercussions, which calls for dealing with this issue with caution.” Sensitive.”