The Panama Canal is considering constructing a pipeline to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) across the trade passage, with Japan emerging as a key potential market for U.S. gas exports. Canal administrator Ricaurte Vasquez stated that the infrastructure could initially handle up to one million barrels per day (bpd), with potential capacity growth to two million bpd within a decade.

This initiative comes as the canal seeks to diversify its operations following a court ruling last year that provided the green light for expansion efforts. Persistent drought conditions have already disrupted crossings, prompting officials to plan for additional water storage through a nearby reservoir.

As the global trade war intensifies, China and the European Union are moving to reinforce their economic partnership, signaling a shared interest in resisting U.S. trade pressure and stabilizing global commerce. In a video call held Tuesday, China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič exchanged views on expanding bilateral trade ties, reactivating stalled negotiations, and creating new buffers against U.S. protectionism.

The two sides discussed restarting talks on trade relief and moving quickly to launch negotiations on electric vehicle (EV) price commitments. These efforts come at a moment of heightened urgency, as U.S. President Donald Trump escalates his tariff campaign.

China could face major disruptions to its Iranian crude supply—representing about 13% of its oil imports—if Trump, newly elected to a second term, resumes stringent sanctions on Iran’s oil sector. These sanctions, which are part of Trump’s “maximum pressure policy” aimed at curtailing Iran’s nuclear program, would likely…