Panama has denied claims that US government vessels can transit the Panama Canal for free. The White House previously suggested that Panama had agreed to waive transit fees for US ships, a claim Panama disputes.
The US State Department recently announced on X that U.S. government ships could transit the canal at no cost. It said this change would save the US millions of dollars annually. In response, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) issued a statement clarifying its authority. The ACP emphasized that it alone controls toll rates and transit fees and confirmed no recent changes were made to benefit US vessels.
US President Donald Trump has frequently expressed a desire to regain control of the Panama Canal, a vital link for global maritime trade. The 51-mile (82 km) canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, playing a major role in international shipping routes.
During his visit to Latin America, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded immediate action from Panama. Rubio accused China of exerting influence over the canal and warned Panama that failure to act could force the US to intervene under existing treaties.
Rubio met with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, the canal’s administrator, during his visit. The ACP said it had communicated its willingness to collaborate with the US Navy to improve transit scheduling and prioritize US military vessels where possible. This cooperation would proceed through ongoing dialogue with Washington, the agency stated.
US Vessels Make Up a Large Share of Canal Traffic
Panama confirmed that over half of the canal’s 2024 traffic involved ships either originating from or destined for US ports. Statistics indicate that 52% of vessels transiting the canal during that year had direct links to the United States. Each year, approximately 14,000 ships rely on the canal to avoid long, expensive detours around South America.
President Trump has criticized the 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter, which gradually transferred canal control back to Panama. Trump called the handover a “big mistake” and accused China of influencing canal operations.
Panama’s President Mulino strongly rejected Trump’s allegations. He emphasized that Panama maintains full sovereignty over the canal and refuted claims of foreign interference. Mulino also insisted that the canal remains neutral and is managed solely by Panama.
The canal, originally constructed by the US in the early 20th century, has been under Panama’s control since 1999. Panama’s leaders continue to dismiss any suggestion of foreign influence, asserting their commitment to neutrality and independent management of the waterway.
