Sanctions & Embargoes #panama flag#us-china relations
Panama Flag Caught in US-China Crossfire as Shipowners Flee Rising Detentions
The Panama Ship Registry has shrunk by 3.3% so far this year as shipowners abandon the flag due to increased Chinese port state control inspections and geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing. China detained 135 Panama-flagged vessels in April, representing 82% of all detentions, and 85% in early May. Owners are migrating to Liberia and the Marshall Islands, which has widened its tonnage lead over Panama.
Jun 15, 2026 1 source