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Panama Urges COSCO to Lift Port Suspension Amid Tensions

3/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Panama's government urged COSCO to reverse its Balboa port suspension after a court annulled a CK Hutchison Holdings contract.
The suspension affects 4% of the port's cargo, according to Jose Ramon Icaza, Panama's Minister for Canal Affairs.
The move comes amid rising tensions between the United States and China over canal oversight after Panama regained control on February 23.
Nearly 10 million containers passed through Panama's ports in 2025.

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Story summary

Panama's government urged COSCO to reverse its Balboa port suspension after a court annulled a CK Hutchison Holdings contract.
The suspension affects 4% of the port's cargo, according to Jose Ramon Icaza, Panama's Minister for Canal Affairs.
The move comes amid rising tensions between the United States and China over canal oversight after Panama regained control on February 23.
Nearly 10 million containers passed through Panama's ports in 2025.