Trump is pushing for freedom of charging the United States via Panama, Suez channels

President Donald Trump It is accessed to US Free US Free to two of the world’s most freight corridors-a step that can save American companies hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

Publishing on the social truth on Saturday, Trump announced: “The American, military and commercial ships, to travel, must be allowed free of charge through Panama and Swiss channels! These channels will not be without the United States of America.”

“I asked Foreign Minister Marco Rubio immediately attention, and to commemorate this situation!”

The Panama channel alone treats approximately 14,000 transit operations annually, according to the Panama Channel Authority.

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In the fiscal year 2023, it achieved about 3.3 billion dollars in the revenue of the number of fractures, as American ships make up about 70 % of the total channel movement, according to the US Department of Transport data.

American trucks – including companies such as Maersk (US Branch), MSC and the main energy exporters – are one of the largest customer customers.

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On average, it costs a commercial ship anywhere from $ 200,000 to 450,000 dollars to cross the Panama channel, depending on the size of the ship and goods, based on the duct pricing schedules. In some cases – such as LNG carriers – fees can reach more than $ 500,000 per cross.

The Suez Canal, at the same time, receives very slope rates. The Swiz Channel in Egypt reported the revenues of $ 9.4 billion in 2023, which is the highest level ever, which is fueled by the United States and European shipment amid red marine turmoil.

In early 2025, in the wake of a wave of Houthi drones and missiles on the Red Sea shipping corridors, Trump allowed a sustainable campaign of the edges targeting Houthi missile sites, radar organizations, and drone launch platforms across northern Yemen.

The US Air Force and Navy carried out dozens of precise strikes to neutralize the Houthi capabilities, as Pentagon officials stated that the goal is to “restore freedom of permanently navigate” to go to the Swiss Canal.

Trump frame the strikes as part of a wider effort to decline against Iranian influence throughout the region.

In Central America, Trump’s batch for free traffic comes as his administration moves to support security around the Panama channel against Chinese influence.

On April 9, Defense Minister PETE HegSeth announced an expanded partnership for the United States to secure the channel and signed a memorandum of understanding that includes a plan for American warships and ships support to move “first and free” through the waterway.

“Panama channel is the main terrain that must be secured by Panama, with America, and Not ChinaHigseth said at a press conference in Panama.

American commercial shipping interests have long been dependent on the Panama channel, which reduces nearly 8,000 miles from the route of shipping between the American East Coast and Asia. About 40 % of all container traffic in the United States uses the channel every year, according to the US Navy Administration.

Historically, the United States built and controlled the Panama channel after a massive building effort led by President Theodore Roosevelt in the early twentieth century. After Panama’s independence, with the support of American military support in 1903, the United States obtained the rights and operation of the channel under the Hi-Porto and Varilla Treaty.

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The channel was opened in 1914, becoming a major symbol of American economic and technological power. US control ended in 1999 under Torigos Carrene treaties, but the waterway is still necessary for US trade flows.

In addition to the military and strategic implications, Trump’s proposal can provide direct financial benefits to American companies, especially in the energy, agriculture and manufacturing sectors that rely heavily on marine exports and imports.

It remains to see whether Foreign Minister Marco Rubio will continue to direct Trump through diplomacy, economic pressure or future agreements with Panama and Egypt.