BlackRock-Led Consortium Acquires Panama Canal Terminals from Hong Kong Operator

The $19 billion deal follows U.S. President Trump's push against perceived Chinese control over key global trade infrastructure.

Hong Kong's Hutchison Holdings announced the sale of its 90% stake in Panama Ports Company, which operates two terminals at the Panama Canal, to a U.S.-led consortium headed by BlackRock.
The $19 billion transaction also includes stakes in 43 other terminals worldwide, pending approval from the Panamanian government.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized Chinese influence over the canal and pledged to bring it back under U.S. influence, though Panama retains control of the canal itself.
Hutchison denies any political motivations behind the sale, calling it a purely commercial decision after a competitive bidding process.
The Panama Canal, vital to global trade, was built by the U.S. but transferred to Panama in 1999 under a prior treaty, with the U.S. retaining rights to defend it if threatened.