Trump demands Panama lower Canal fees or return it to US – DW – 12/22/2024
www.dw.com
In a post on social media, the incoming US President Donald Trump described fees charged to use the key shipping lane as a "complete 'rip-off.'" He also warned of it falling into the "wrong hands."

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/23416568

Summary

Donald Trump criticized Panama Canal fees as “ridiculous” and demanded lower costs or the canal’s return to the US.

In a Truth Social post, Trump also expressed concern about potential Chinese influence over the waterway, despite no direct Chinese control of canal operations.

The canal, transferred to Panama in 1999, is vital for global trade, handling 5% of maritime traffic.

Trump’s comments follow record revenues of $5 billion announced by the Panama Canal Authority. Panama has not yet responded to his statements.

  • xylogx@lemmy.worldEnglish
    19·
    6 hours ago

    The reason it has gotten so expensive is that the lake they use to flood the locks is dangerously low. Thing is that lake is also their main source of drinking water. So there is limited capacity unless you deprive the Panamanian people of drinking water. It is a complex issue, and bluster and threats will not make it any better.

    • jagged_circle@feddit.nlEnglish
      1·
      1 hour ago

      We’ve bombed them before and I wouldn’t doubt Trump will bomb them again. He seems to have no issues in depriving them of drinking water

    • Viking_Hippie@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
      12·
      6 hours ago

      I bet at least part of the reason for the lake running low is climate change too, making Trump and his cronies partly responsible for the very expenses he’s having a hissy fit over…