Hong Kong Firm Sells Panama Canal Ports in $22.8bn Deal

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:09:01 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A significant asset transfer signals changing ownership dynamics in a key shipping route.

A Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holding, has announced its decision to divest most of its stake in two critical ports at the Panama Canal to a US-led consortium, including prominent investment firm BlackRock. This $22.8 billion deal follows heightened scrutiny over Chinese ownership, as US officials, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed concerns regarding national security tied to the canal’s operations. The ports, historically operated by CK Hutchison since 1997, involve a combined total of 43 ports across 23 countries and are pending approval by the Panamanian government.

The Panama Canal, a crucial maritime passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, supports around 14,000 vessel transits yearly. The concerns regarding Chinese control have reignited political debates, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterating calls for Panama to reconsider China’s influence. However, Panamanian officials have firmly rebutted claims that the canal is under foreign control, reaffirming their commitment to its sovereignty. The impending sale highlights ongoing tensions around international control of essential infrastructure as global shipping continues to evolve.

In a statement regarding the sale, CK Hutchison's co-managing director emphasized that the transaction is purely commercial and not influenced by the political climate surrounding the Panama Canal.