PANAMA CITY, March 31, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The war in the Middle East has prompted a surge in ships utilizing the Panama Canal, an executive for the interoceanic waterway said Monday. Five percent of global maritime trade passes through the Panama Canal, whose main users are the United States and China. The route primarily connects the east coast of the United States with the Asian giant, South Korea, and Japan. "The Panama Canal is a safe, short route, that with gas prices" still reduces costs, Espino de Marotta said. Nonetheless, the canal executive warned that the passage of 40 daily boats "isn't sustainable" given the limited space on the route.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 31, 2026 03:43 UTC