Around 14,000 ships transit the Panama Canal annually. The U.S. uses it more than any other nation with 40% of all U.S. container traffic, valued at $270 billion, traveling through the 50 mile stretch of water each year. But tensions in Panama are rising. President Trump claims China has “influence and control” over the canal and that threat represents a “violation of the treaty” between the U.S. and Panama. In March, an investment group led by U.S. firm BlackRock announced it was trying to purchase two ports at either end of the canal as well as about 40 others from Hong Kong based-CK Hutchison. The outcome of that deal remains unclear. To better understand the issues facing the Panama Canal, CNBC’s Lori Ann Larocco boarded a tugboat to get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges it faces. Chapters: 0:00- 2:28 Introduction 2:39 - 8:20 Chapter 1. On the canal 8:21 - 12:17 Chapter 2. Higher prices 12:18 - 18:14 Chapter 3. China’s influence on the canal 18:15 - 21:56 Chapter 4. An uncertain future Produced and Shot by: Shawn Baldwin Reporter: Lori Ann LaRocco Edited by: Erin Black Additional Camera: Andrew Evers Animation: Jason Reginato Senior Director of Video: Jeniece Pettitt Additional Editing: Marisa Forziati Additional Footage: Getty Images, Panama Canal Authority » Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC » Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision » Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more. Do you want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling? Take CNBC’s new online course - How to Change Careers and Be Happier at Work. Pre-register today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025: https://cnb.cx/4igNyqZ Connect with CNBC News Online Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/ Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC #CNBC We Went To The Panama Canal To See Why Trump Is Hellbent On Taking It Over
CNBC Charged is a series exploring the global battery boom powering the electric revolution. From smartphones to solar panels to EVs, batteries are fueling a cleaner, high-tech future. The auto industry is undergoing its biggest shakeup since the assembly line, as governments from California to China push for zero-emission vehicles. China dominates the battery supply chain, but can the U.S. catch up? In this series, CNBC dives into the race for battery innovation. We meet startups developing next-gen tech, journey to remote mineral mines, and explore how Elon Musk and Tesla jump-started the EV era. Charged unpacks the high-stakes world of electric vehicles, the environmental trade-offs, and the economic battles shaping the future of energy.