Panamanian officials are hoping to reassure carriers and shippers that operations will remain stable while a longer-term concession process unfolds.

The decree issued on February 23 orders the Panama Maritime Authority to occupy the ports for "reasons of urgent social interest."

Major snowfall of as much as 30 inches is expected across the East Coast in some areas.

Seroka noted that despite the trade war uncertainty, “purchase orders that go out three months in advance to Asia look stable, a good sign.”

The closure comes as the U.S. and Iran hold the second round of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss Iran's nuclear program.

The Hong Kong firm also that it was planning to take further steps to protect its rights and interests at the two ports situated at either end of the Panama Canal. 

The closure, which appeared to surprise state and local officials, went into effect at 11:30 p.m. local time on January 10 and was lifted a little before 7 a.m. on Tuesday 11.

The warning is the most direct criticism yet from the Trump administration of Peru’s close ties to China, which is the South American nation’s top trading partner.

DP World's CEO corresponded with Epstein for more than a decade after Epstein’s jail sentence in 2008 on charges that included procuring a minor for prostitution. 

The $4.8 billion bridge project is scheduled to open sometime in 2026, with major construction having already wrapped up, and testing already underway.