Trump Demands Free Canal Transit: A Costly, Unrealistic Proposal
Trump’s suggestion that US ships should receive free passage through the Panama and Suez canals immediately raises questions about the practicality and fairness of such a proposal. The idea that these vital waterways, requiring extensive maintenance and operational costs, could operate without any fees seems unrealistic. Even if the US were to reclaim control of the Panama Canal, as some have suggested, the substantial expenses associated with its operation – encompassing lock maintenance, tugboat services, and a complex logistical network – would remain. There’s no way to simply wave a magic wand and make them disappear.
The proposition also overlooks the fundamental principles of international commerce and the realities of maritime shipping.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood