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Hutchison’s Panama ports deal

Hutchison’s Panama ports deal
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Hutchison’s Panama ports deal. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A Panamanian-flagged vessel transits the Panama Canal in March. Photo: Reuters
Panama

Asian shipper pays record US$5.3 million for Panama Canal access

Demand to pass through waterway soars after Iran war upends global trade routes, leaving ships facing 11-day wait.

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison’s HK$11.7b Panama ports dispute could take years to resolve

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Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison says ‘forced termination’ of Panama ports cut 1% off throughput

Hong Kong property

CK Hutchison Holdings reports 31-fold surge in first-half profit

Global environment in the first half of 2026 was ‘exceptionally turbulent and uncertain’, says chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi.

A screenshot of CK Hutchison Holdings’ chairman Victor Li Tzar-kuoi from the 2025 CK Hutchison general meeting. Photo: Handout
US-China relations

The new Panama? Why Nicaragua could be next front in US-China influence battle

Beijing could move to build an alternative to the Panama Canal in Nicaragua, before the US gets involved, scholar warns.

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China-Latin America relations

US’ Cuba-China fears, Panama pressure: Latin America relations reads

From Argentina’s shrinking China lifeline to the US’ Cuba worries, here are highlights from the SCMP’s foreign correspondents in May 2026.

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China-Latin America relations

Panama rejects US pressure claims as it seeks to ease China tensions

Panamanian president looks to defuse issues with Beijing as South American country attempts to renew key China maritime agreement.

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Containers sit at the Balboa terminal, formerly run by CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports, after the Panama government ordered the occupation of the port following a court ruling that the concession was unconstitutional. Photo: AP
Panama

China warns against ‘third party’ influence as Panama Canal port dispute simmers

Wang Yi also says Beijing ready to deepen cooperation with Panama City amid US pressure over operation of ports.

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China-Latin America relations

Panama encourages dialogue at UN as canal tensions with China simmer

Panama’s foreign minister uses UN speech to help defuse tension after deterioration in Panama-China relations due to canal dispute.

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China-Latin America relations

Panama minister slams China ship crackdown, tells deputies in Beijing: push back

Foreign minister says court ruling must not be used as leverage against Panama’s merchant fleet as ship detentions mount.

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A Panamanian-flagged vessel transits the Panama Canal in March; dozens of such ships have faced heightened inspections in Chinese ports amid rising tensions. Photo: Reuters
China energy security

China orders maritime security research as Hormuz crisis exposes trade risks

The research agenda will also focus on safeguarding port access and critical mineral investments amid rising threats to global trade.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply travels, has been repeatedly sealed off since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February. Photo: AP
China-Latin America relations

Rubio raises concerns over China’s detention of Panama-flagged ships

Panama’s decision to strip Panama Ports Company of its concessions is a test of US backing for countries challenging China, experts say.

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China-Latin America relations

China denies retaliating against Panama ships, accuses Washington of canal grab

US body says Beijing’s inspections of Panama-flagged ships exceed historical norms and may be reprisals over ousted Hong Kong operator.

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Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison expands Panama ports claim as losses ‘surpass’ US$2 billion

Subsidiary Panama Ports Company slams Panamanian government’s ‘attack campaign’ as it expands international arbitration claim over damages.

Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings, claims Panama’s seizure of its port concessions have resulted in damages of more than US$2 billion. Photo: AP
Hong Kong economy

Panama⁠ accuses CK Hutchison subsidiary of lying about arbitration response

President Jose Raul Mulino slams Panama Ports Company for accusing country of failing to file response to arbitration request.

Balboa port was taken over by Panamanian authorities in February. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison vows to pursue ‘all legal remedies’ over seized Panama ports

Group says diversified network could benefit from higher storage revenue as inventory demand rises amid Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison subsidiary slams Panama for missing arbitration deadline

Panama Ports Company also confirms offices were raided by alleged ‘armed security forces’ and accuses authorities of disregarding rule of law.

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China trade

Papers please: China raises pressure on Panama with ship inspection wave

Intensified inspections for Panama-flagged vessels – among the world’s most common registrations – retaliation for canal port seizure, source says.

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Containers sit at the Balboa terminal, formerly run by CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports, after the Panama government ordered the occupation of the port following a court ruling that the concession was unconstitutional. Photo: AP
Hong Kong politics

Panama urges Chinese shipping giant Cosco to resume operations at canal

Minister for Canal Affairs Jose Ramon Icaza says Cosco’s 4 per cent of cargo transshipped in Balboa is ‘significant’ and hopes company returns.

US-China trade war

China summons Maersk, MSC on shipping operations amid Panama saga, Iran war

Beijing gave no reason for order – but both firms at centre of dispute after Panama ruled against CK Hutchison’s operation of two ports.

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Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison subsidiary seeks US$2 billion for Panama’s takeover of canal ports

Panama Ports Company says it has submitted claim for arbitration in compliance with rules of International Chamber of Commerce.

The Port of Balboa. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison escalates legal action over Panama ports seizure

Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s conglomerate accuses Panama authorities of ignoring requests for communication and keeping group in the dark.

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Panamanian police search a Panama Ports Company office. Photo Reuters
Hong Kong politics

CK Hutchison subsidiary slams Panama over ‘unnotified intrusion’ at storage site

Panama Ports Company accuses Panamanian authorities of undermining due process with raid, slams earlier takeover of canal ports as ‘illegal’.

Hong Kong economy

Panama raids CK Hutchison subsidiary office, days after taking over canal ports

Panamanian media says local authorities searched office of Panama Ports Company, which operated Balboa and Cristobal ports until this week.

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CK Hutchison

Opinion | Panama’s ports grab may be politically expedient, but at what cost?

In global logistics, reliability is currency. When commitments become provisional, the cost is measured not only in legal fees but in confidence.

Illustration: Craig Stephens
China-Latin America relations

Panama ousts Hong Kong operator from canal ports in ruling backed by Washington

White House says Panama’s move to assert sovereignty over Balboa and Cristobal aligns with Donald Trump’s vision for the canal.

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The port of Balboa, managed by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings, at the entrance to the Panama Canal in Panama City. On Monday, Panama took control of the ports in Balboa and Cristobal. Photo: AFP
Panama

Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

Revoking CK Hutchison’s rights to run two canal ports is a decision that not only affects Hong Kong – it strikes at the heart of international commerce.

Hong Kong economy

CK Hutchison pursues ‘all legal options’ on Panama ports, invites consultations

Conglomerate says authorities have ‘advanced steps towards a forced exit’ of Panama Ports Company (PPC) and are preparing to transition port operations.

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