CK Hutchison Seeks $1.5 Billion for Loss of Panama Assets

By Shirley Zhao

Aug 20, 2026 (Bloomberg) –CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. commenced international arbitration proceedings against Panama, seeking more than $1.5 billion in damages over the loss of its investments in two ports on the country’s strategic canal.

The move came after attempts to resolve the dispute with Panamanian authorities failed, the company said in a statement Thursday. CK Hutchison said Panama breached an investment protection treaty through measures taken in 2025 and this year that culminated in the termination of its concessions and the takeover of the Balboa and Cristobal terminals.

CK Hutchison, founded by billionaire Li Ka-shing, said its