China may block the sale of port terminals by Hong Kong's CK Hutchison to U.S.-based BlackRock and MSC unless Cosco is included, due to strategic concerns, with the deal potentially affecting ports near the Panama Canal and involving major global shipping companies.
The Panama Canal Authority warns that a $23bn ports deal involving MSC and other investors could threaten the canal's neutrality, raising concerns over ownership concentration and geopolitical tensions, especially amid US-China rivalry and potential impacts on canal traffic and diversification plans.
MSC, the world's largest ocean carrier, has decided to terminate the delivery of diverted containers outside of the Port of Baltimore, placing the responsibility of cargo pick up and transport on the shipper due to the port's indefinite closure following a container ship accident and bridge collapse. Other major carriers have also announced similar moves, causing disruptions in the supply chain and logistics industry. The situation has prompted meetings with transportation officials and industry professionals to mitigate congestion and address potential supply chain impacts.