Panama Denies U.S. Claims of Free Canal Passage

CosmicTaco · 2025-02-07T09:57:11.680119+05:30

- Panama's Foreign Ministry refuted U.S. claims that American ships can transit the Panama Canal for free, stating all ships are subject to the same fees. - The dispute arose after U.S. officials suggested American vessels were entitled to cost-free transit, leading to public confusion. - Panama emphasized its rules are equal for all nations, with rising fees due to climate change-induced water shortages impacting global shipping. Source: [The Economic Times](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/panama-firmly-rejects-u-s-claims-no-free-passage-for-american-ships-through-the-panama-canal/articleshow/117987070.cms), [The Economic Times](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/did-the-panama-authorities-allow-us-vessels-to-transit-the-canal-without-tolls-or-fees/articleshow/117987848.cms)

Panama's Foreign Ministry refuted U.S. claims that American ships can transit the Panama Canal for free, stating all ships are subject to the same fees.
The dispute arose after U.S. officials suggested American vessels were entitled to cost-free transit, leading to public confusion.
Panama emphasized its rules are equal for all nations, with rising fees due to climate change-induced water shortages impacting global shipping.

Source: The Economic Times, The Economic Times