Bimco said that port fees are generally passed on in the supply chain, meaning that U.S. consumers would ultimately face higher prices.

The deal has been seen by many as a step-down in the face of a claim by President Trump that the Panama Canal was “operated by China.” 

Highlighting this milestone makes the Port Authority an outlier in an era where leaders are increasingly wary about publicly discussing diversity.

On March 15, President Donald Trump said he ordered “decisive and powerful” action against the Iran-backed Houthis. 

The FMC probe will assess whether a country, ocean carrier or other maritime operator are creating conditions unfavorable for U.S. shipping and foreign trade.

The deal is "a spineless, groveling, profit-seeking move that sells one’s integrity for personal gains,” said the opinion piece," said an opinion piece in a Beijing-backed newspaper.

The wrangle over the Canal started before Trump even took office, as a campaign promise, and has persisted since.

The deal was praised by both sides as a "win-win" deal that protects union jobs, while establishing a framework for introducing new technologies to U.S. ports. 

The group agreed to cease its strike against ships in the region in January, but warned at the time that "any aggression" from other nations would lead to further attacks.

The crew of the tanker, the Stena Immaculate, abandoned the vessel after multiple explosions on board following the March 10 crash.