Moneycontrol PRO
HomeWorldTrump demands free passage for U.S. ships through Panama and Suez canals

Trump demands free passage for U.S. ships through Panama and Suez canals

US President Donald Trump demanded free passage for American military and commercial ships through the Panama and Suez Canals, instructing Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the issue immediately.

April 27, 2025 / 11:04 IST
Trump demands free passage for U.S. ships through key canals.

US President Donald Trump called for free passage for American commercial and military vessels through the Panama and Suez canals, directing his secretary of state to act "immediately."

For several months, Trump has advocated for the United States to assert control over the Panama Canal. However, in a new post on his Truth Social platform, he also turned attention to the critical Suez Canal.

"American Ships, both Military and Commercial, should be allowed to travel, free of charge, through the Panama and Suez Canals!" Trump wrote.

He claimed that both maritime routes "would not exist" without American involvement and said he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to "immediately take care of" the matter.

In response, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, without naming Trump directly, stated on Saturday that toll charges for the Panama Canal are managed by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), an independent agency overseeing the canal.

"There is no agreement to the contrary," Mulino said in a post on X.

Earlier this month, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during a visit to Panama City, said Washington was seeking a deal to allow US warships to pass through the canal "first, and free."

Both the United States and China are among the leading users of the Panama Canal.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Suez Canal — a vital link between Europe and Asia — handled about 10 percent of global maritime trade prior to disruptions caused by Yemen's Huthi rebels. These Iran-backed militants began targeting shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the outbreak of the Gaza war, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Their actions have forced vessels to reroute around Africa’s southern tip, significantly increasing travel times and costs.

Egypt reported last year that revenues from the Suez Canal had fallen by 60 percent, resulting in a $7 billion loss.

Since January 2024, the US military has been conducting strikes against Huthi positions, and those operations have intensified under Trump, with near-daily attacks in recent weeks.

Trump has pledged that military strikes will persist until the Houthis no longer pose a threat to international shipping.

(With AFP inputs)

MC World Desk
first published: Apr 27, 2025 09:23 am

Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!

Subscribe to Tech Newsletters

  • On Saturdays

    Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.

  • Daily-Weekdays

    Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.

Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347