Trump calls for Panama to reduce canal transit fees or return control to the U.S

President-elect Donald Trump has called for Panama to lower transit fees for U.S. ships using the Panama Canal. He stated that the current charges are excessive and demanded either a fee reduction or the return of the canal to the U.S. The Panama Canal, completed by the U.S. in 1914, was handed back to Panama in 1999. The U.S. is the canal's largest user, accounting for about 75% of its cargo traffic. Recent drought conditions have affected the canal's operations, leading to disruptions that have impacted supply chains and contributed to inflation, according to U.S. economic officials.