On Wednesday, March 12, at 3:00 p.m. EDT / 2:00 p.m. ET, the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center will host a conversation exploring the Panama Canal’s role in global trade and its strategic importance to US economic and security interests.

The canal facilitates 5 percent of global maritime trade, but 74 percent of the trade volume is headed for or coming from US ports. US President Donald Trump has raised concerns over the canal’s pricing structure and the fact that China-linked companies operate key ports adjacent to the canal. Following the US secretary of state’s trip, Panama announced its withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its decision to review contracts with China links.

This virtual event will focus on the Panama Canal’s operations and the importance of the canal for US and global shipping interests.