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Panama Canal debate, discussions continue

The head of the Soy Transportation Coalition says the Trump administration has been monitoring the Panama Canal for potential Chinese influence.

Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield, “The question that lawmakers and the administration have been talking about lately is, to what extent are you seeing Chinese influence in Panama? As of right now, I’m not seeing any impediments to its operation.”

The Panama Canal is owned and controlled by the Republic of Panama and operated by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP). Two of the main ports in Panama at Balboa (Pacific side) and Cristobal (Atlantic side), are operated by Hutchison Port Holdings, which is based in Hong Kong. Hutchison Port Holdings is one of the largest port operators in the world – operating 53 ports in 24 countries.

Steenhoek says maintaining neutrality and equal access was a condition when the U.S. signed over control of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian government. “600 million bushels of U.S. soybeans normally transit the Panama Canal,” he said. “We’re the number one agricultural customer of the canal. It’s a really important link in our supply chain.”

He says the canal remains open to business in a professional way and he currently has no concerns over potential Chinese influence.

Steenhoek spoke to Brownfield at the 2025 Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado.

AUDIO: Mike Steenhoek, US Soy Transportation Coalition