BlackRock-Led Consortium Acquires Panama Canal Ports in $22.8 Billion Deal

The purchase shifts control of key ports from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to U.S. and Swiss investors following political and security concerns raised by President Trump.

BlackRock and partners Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited will acquire a 90% stake in Panama Ports Company, which operates the Balboa and Cristobal ports on either end of the Panama Canal.
The $22.8 billion deal also includes CK Hutchison's controlling stake in 43 ports across 23 countries, marking BlackRock's largest infrastructure acquisition to date.
President Trump has framed the deal as a victory in reducing China's perceived influence near the canal, though CK Hutchison insists the sale is purely commercial.
Panama's government, which retains control over the canal itself, denies any foreign interference and has stated the sale is a private transaction requiring regulatory approval.
The transaction follows U.S. pressure on Panama to limit Chinese involvement, including the country's withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative after meetings with U.S. officials.