A BlackRock Inc.-led consortium has agreed to acquire key ports near the Panama Canal from Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd., following pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to curb Chinese influence. The deal includes an 80% stake in Hutchison Ports Group and 90% of Panama Ports Co., with CK Hutchison receiving approximately $19 billion.
This move aligns with Trump’s push to reduce Chinese control over the strategic waterway. Bloomberg previously reported that Panama was considering canceling Hutchison’s contract. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink called the acquisition a major opportunity, marking BlackRock’s largest infrastructure deal. Experts suggest the agreement could ease tensions between Trump and Panama’s President Jose Raúl Mulino while reducing China’s presence in the region.
