Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison seeks $1.9 billion for loss of Panama assets in treaty dispute
Panama breached an investment protection treaty through measures taken in 2025 and 2026, CK Hutchison said.
CK Hutchison Holdings has initiated arbitration proceedings against Panama, seeking damages exceeding US$1.5 billion (S$1.9 billion) due to the loss of its investments in two ports situated on the strategic Panama Canal. The company alleges that Panama violated an investment protection treaty through actions taken in 2025 and 2026, leading to the termination of the concession for the ports of Balboa and Cristobal and the subsequent takeover of the terminals.
Founded by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing, CK Hutchison's board firmly opposes Panama's actions, cautioning shareholders and potential investors to proceed with "caution" when dealing with its shares or other securities. This dispute has become a significant point of contention in the escalating rivalry between the United States and China.
Panama's decision to annul CK Hutchison's concession was influenced by pressure from former US President Donald Trump. Beijing had earlier threatened that Panama would face "heavy consequences" following the Central American nation's unilateral action. The current conflict is distinct from arbitration proceedings CK Hutchison is already undertaking against AP Moller-Maersk, stemming from Panama's takeover of the two ports.
In February, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino temporarily occupied the terminals after the country's highest court ruled against CK Hutchison's concession. The ports were part of CK Hutchison's plan to sell 43 terminals globally to a consortium led by US investment firm BlackRock for over US$19 billion in cash. However, the deal drew criticism from Beijing, perceiving it as a submission to American pressure.
In response, CK Hutchison invited China Cosco Shipping, a state-owned entity, to join the consortium, which also includes the Italian shipping magnate Gianluigi Aponte's MSC Mediterranean Shipping. Following Panama's seizure of the ports, Beijing cautioned state firms to suspend talks on new projects in the Central American country and advised shipping companies to reroute cargo if possible, according to Bloomberg.
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