Panama denied the State Department's claim on Wednesday that the country had agreed to stop charging fees for U.S. government ships to transit the Panama Canal.
The Panama Canal Authority stated that it had made no changes to the tolls or fees and was ready to discuss the matter with the U.S.
This directly contradicted the State Department's announcement earlier in the day that U.S. government vessels could now transit the canal without fees, potentially saving millions of dollars annually.
Over the past 26 years, the U.S. has paid a total of $25.4 million for the transit of warships and submarines, amounting to less than $1 million per year.
On X, the State Department's post about "no fees for government ships" has been community-noted to indicate that Panama has denied the claim.
This controversy comes shortly after President Donald Trump reiterated his intention to "take back" the Panama Canal, amid rising tensions with Panama over China's presence in the area.
The differing statements from the US and Panama highlight the diplomatic challenges and miscommunications between the two countries. The Panama Canal Authority's readiness for dialogue indicates a willingness to resolve the issue amicably.
The State Department's announcement on social media was accompanied by an image of a naval vessel entering the canal.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube