US and Swiss investors secure a 90% stake in Panama Ports Company for $22.8B.
In a major geopolitical and trade shift, a BlackRock-backed investor group has agreed to acquire a 90% stake in Panama Ports Company from Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison for $22.8 billion. This deal grants US and Swiss investors control over key Panama Canal docks, aligning with Washington’s push to limit Chinese influence in global shipping.
Panama Ports Company has operated the Balboa and Cristobal ports for over two decades. The Panama Canal, which links 1,920 ports across 170 countries, handled 12,000 vessels last year, with over 75% of the traffic connected to the US.
This acquisition strengthens US strategic influence over a vital global trade route while reshaping international shipping dynamics.
Source: Exim News
