Trump seeks free transit for US ships through crucial global canals

Former US President Donald Trump has ignited significant geopolitical discussions following his demands for American military and commercial vessels to be granted free passage through the strategic Panama and Suez canals. His controversial statements, which also called for swift governmental action, have drawn a sharp response from officials managing these critical maritime routes.

Trump claimed on social media that both waterways, essential for global trade and military operations, would not exist without American intervention. His demand for toll-free transit for US ships has raised eyebrows, particularly given the economic and political ramifications it could entail. The Panama Canal, an indispensable link for global shipping between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, is overseen by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), an independent body with no existing agreement to allow toll waivers for any nation.

Jose Raúl Mulino, Panama’s president, emphasised that the canal’s regulations explicitly maintain toll policies without exceptions, seemingly dismissing the former US president’s demands. Trump has also focused attention on the Suez Canal in Egypt, a key passage connecting Europe and Asia, which has faced disruptions due to regional conflicts. Reports indicate that American military interventions continue against threats posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have previously targeted vessels traversing the region.

The role of the United States in the security of these maritime gateways has long been a subject of debate. Trump’s latest proposal even includes a call for US warships to pass through the Panama Canal “first and free,” as reiterated earlier this year by former defence secretary Pete Hegseth. He further suggested the possibility of US troops returning to Panama to safeguard the canal, an idea swiftly rejected by Panamanian officials due to sovereignty concerns.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Suez Canal revenues have reportedly suffered substantial losses due to regional instability. With attacks disrupting shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, some vessels have opted for time-consuming and costly detours around the southern tip of Africa. The United States, alongside this push for free transit, has ramped up military strikes against rebel positions since early 2024. However, the broader implications of granting toll-free access to American ships remain uncertain in these politically charged environments.

As one of the world’s largest maritime users alongside China, the United States plays a pivotal role in these critical trade routes. Trump’s demands for free access undoubtedly add pressure to international negotiations, with strategic control over these canals likely to remain a contentious issue for years to come.