Trump urges Panama to lower rates for Panama Canal or face return to US

washington - President Trump criticizes Panama for charging "exorbitant high prices" for using the Panama Canal, threatening to demand its return to the United States if rates are not lowered.

President Trump has called on Panama to reduce the tariffs for the use of the Panama Canal. According to Trump, Panama charges "exorbitant high prices" which he deems "ridiculous". The Panama Canal serves as a vital passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, with the United States being its largest user, accounting for three-quarters of the ships passing through, most of which are of American origin.

Trump has expressed concerns over the possibility of the canal falling into Chinese hands. He highlights China as the second largest user of the canal, with a Hong Kong-based company managing two of the five ports near the canal.

Furthermore, Trump criticizes former President Jimmy Carter for what he perceives as giving away the canal for "one dollar". Carter had signed a treaty with Panama in 1977, stipulating the transfer of the canal's ownership to Panama in 2000.

In response to the situation, Trump emphasizes that the canal was handed over as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, and if the legal and moral principles of this gesture are not upheld, the United States will demand its return.