What specific instruction did China give to Maersk and MSC regarding their Panama Canal port operations, according to the FT report?

According to the Financial Times report, China told Maersk and MSC Shipping to 'cease operating ports on the Panama Canal' and, in a meeting with China's state planner last month, instructed them to 'withdraw from the Balboa and Cristóbal ports immediately.' They were also directed not to 'engage in illegal activities that harm the interests of Chinese companies, and to uphold commercial ethics and international rules.'

Which subsidiaries of Maersk and MSC are currently managing the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, and what is the current operational status of those terminals?

APM Terminals, a unit of Maersk, is managing the Balboa port, while TIL Panama, a unit of MSC, is handling the Cristóbal port. Panama has granted temporary 18-month concessions to keep both terminals operating despite China’s directive for Maersk and MSC to withdraw immediately.

China Orders Maersk and MSC to Cease Panama Port Operations, FT Reports

Apr 14, 2026

China reportedly ordered Maersk and MSC to cease operations at Panama's Balboa and Cristóbal ports citing commercial ethics concerns. Although Panama granted temporary concessions, the directive risks disrupting key logistics hubs vital for global commodity supply chains.

reuters

2026-04-14

China Orders Maersk and MSC to Cease Panama Port Operations, FT Reports

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