Panama Canal: BlackRock Ousts China, Trump Rejoices

The Panama Canal, a true pivot of global trade, has just changed hands. After months of tensions and accusations, Chinese interests are withdrawing in favor of an American consortium led by BlackRock, in a major operation worth 22.8 billion dollars. This acquisition marks a strategic victory for the United States, and especially for Donald Trump, who has never hidden his intention to regain control of this vital artery of international trade.

The Panama Canal, 83 km long, is a crucial passage for international trade. Each year, over 13,000 ships transit through it, representing 5 to 6% of global trade. For the United States, it is a vital infrastructure: two-thirds of the goods passing through the canal are destined for the American market.

Far from a military confrontation, it was through a major Public Tender Offer (OPA) that BlackRock, accompanied by Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment, ousted the Hong Kong company CK Hutchison. The agreement allows Americans to take 90% of the ports of Cristobal and Balboa, located at the ends of the canal, while also acquiring 80% of a holding company managing 43 ports and 199 quays in 23 countries.

Officially, CK Hutchison justifies this divestment for purely commercial reasons, and the Panamanian government assures that no political pressure was exerted. However, it is difficult to ignore Trump's recent remarks, who declared a month ago: « We're going to take it back, something very powerful is going to happen. »