Will President Trump get clarity on eliminating Panama Canal fees later today?

“They’ve agreed to certain things, but I’m not happy with it.”

Later today, President Trump will meet with his Panamanian counterpart to discuss the Panama Canal.

We could get some clarity after a week of back-and-forth between the two countries.

“We’re going to meet with Panama on Friday about 3:30 in the afternoon by phone,” said Pres. Trump. “And maybe they’ll be some representatives that, you know, here or there, but we’re going to be talking to Panama on Friday, essentially, and they’ve agreed to certain things, but I’m not happy with it.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to Panama on his first trip abroad.

This week, he announced that the country would eliminate fees on U.S. government ships. However, Panama’s President said that was not true and accused the U.S. of spreading lies. Rubio walked back his claim but did say that Panama is expected to eliminate the fees.

Related Stories
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.