Panaма’s President Refuses Trump’s Demands to Reduce Canal Fees
In a bold response to newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump, Panaama’s President José Raúl Mulino has firmly stated that canal fees will not be reduced, according to EFE news agency. "No, the answer is no," Mulino said, emphasizing that canal fees are not determined by the presidents of Panaama and the Panama Canal – HISTORY”>Panama Canal Administration. Instead, they are set through a public and transparent process involving clients.
Mulino made these comments after Trump complained that the fees were a "rip-off" and threatened to seek the return of the Panama Canal to U.S. control. The Panaamanian president countered that a few years ago, during one of the public hearings on canal fees, user nations’ demands had halted a price increase and reconfigured the tariffs based on current market rates, to which everyone agreed.
Mulino also underscored that during the time the canal was under U.S. control, what Panaama received was negligible. He further stressed that while he is willing to discuss important bilateral issues with the U.S. government after Trump’s inauguration on January 20, the canal belongs to Panaama.
Trump, on the other hand, has raised concerns about Chinese military presence in Panaama, claiming that they "illegally" control the Panama Canal. He called the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister to join the U.S. and expressed displeasure with the high fees for U.S. ships using the vital waterway, which he deemed "ridiculous and unfair."
Panaama has already rejected Trump’s claims, with President Mulino stating, "Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belongs to Panaama and will continue to do so." He also clarified that the canal is not controlled, directly or indirectly, by China, the European Union, the U.S., or any other power.
Trump responded to Mulino’s remarks via Truth Social, saying, "We’ll see about that!" As the diplomatic spat continues, all eyes are on how the two nations will navigate their relations under Trump’s second term.
