Ports sale challenged by Panama disputeLast year, the Hong Kong ports-to-telecoms conglomerate agreed to a US$23 billion sale of dozens of ports worldwide, including two near the Panama Canal, to a consortium led by US asset manager BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Company. However, the deal was further complicated this year after Panama's government moved to unwind a concession agreement that gave control of the two terminals to CK Hutchison unit Panama Ports Company, which has since challenged the action. "Geopolitical pressure has led to a meaningful legal conflict with the Panamanian State," complicating discussions about the ports sale, the company said in a filing on Thursday. CK Hutchison reported 2025 underlying profit of HK$22.3 billion (US$2.85 billion) on a post-IFRS 16 basis. Separately, CK Hutchison said it has not made any decision related to any transactions of its telecoms business and retail unit AS Watson Group.

Source: The Edge Markets March 19, 2026 12:29 UTC