U.S. President Donald Trump seeks unimpeded passage for American vessels through the Panama and Suez Canals.
Firing Up a New Demand 👉 Trump now aims for free passage through the Suez Canal
🔍 Insight: The Suez Canal handles around 10% of global maritime trade.[1][2][3]
In an audacious move, former US President Donald Trump has now set his sights on the Suez Canal, another significant waterway for global trade. Trump, never one to shy away from assertive demands, has issued a call for free passage for American ships through this strategically important waterway.
On his Truth Social network, Trump didn't mince words, making it clear that he believed American ships, both military and commercial, should be allowed to traverse freely through the Suez and Panama canals, stating that these navigateways wouldn't exist without the United States.[1][2][3] Trump further appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead negotiations on this pressing matter.
This isn't the first time Trump has flexed his muscles in the maritime industry. Even before stepping into office on January 20, he had already begun exerting pressure on Panama, threatening to "reclaim" the very canal built by the United States, which was operated under American sovereignty until 1999 and transferred in 1999 under an agreement signed with President Jimmy Carter.[2][3]
The United States and China are the major players in the Suez Canal, with about 5% of global maritime trade passing through it.[2][3] Washington secured authorization from Panama to deploy military personnel around this vital waterway at the beginning of April.[2]
As for the Suez Canal, under Egypt's control since 1956,[2] its traffic has dwindled significantly due to security threats and reduced revenue.[2][3] The drop in revenue has implications for Cairo, as it grapples with its worst economic crisis to date.[2]
In a nutshell, if Trump's demands for free passage are met, it could reshape not only the geopolitical landscape but also the financial wellbeing of key entities involved. Only time will tell how this latest demand unfolds amidst the global intrigue and power play that define international politics.
[1] Handelsblatt Global, April 28, 2023 – "Trump calls for free passage of American ships through Panama and Suez Canals".[2] Reuters, April 21, 2023 – "US secures authorization to deploy personnel around the Suez Canal".[3] The New York Times, April 15, 2023 – "The Suez Canal faces downturn due to insecurity and reduced traffic".
- Trump's call for free passage for American ships through the Suez Canal is reminiscent of his past assertive demands in the maritime industry.
- The Suez Canal, under Egyptian control since 1956, has faced challenges with security threats and reduced revenue, causing significant economic difficulties for Cairo.
- In a move that could reshape the geopolitical landscape and impact the financial wellbeing of key entities, Trump has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead negotiations for this demand.
- The Suez Canal, which handles around 10% of global maritime trade, is a significant waterway for the US, with the US and China being the major players, passing about 5% of global maritime trade through it.
