CK Hutchison seeks $1.9bn from Panama over asset seizure dispute

CK Hutchison Holdings, one of Asia's largest multinational companies, is pursuing $1.9 billion in compensation from the Panamanian government through international arbitration proceedings. The Hong Kong-based conglomerate contends that Panama violated bilateral investment protection agreements through regulatory measures and administrative actions implemented over the past two years.

According to filings in the case, the company claims that Panamanian authorities took steps between 2025 and 2026 that effectively stripped it of significant business assets and operations within the country. CK Hutchison argues these actions breached international treaty obligations designed to protect foreign investors from arbitrary government seizure or expropriation.

The dispute marks a notable escalation in tensions between major multinational corporations and Panama's government over the terms under which foreign companies operate in the Central American nation. CK Hutchison, which operates extensive business interests across ports, retail, telecommunications and energy sectors throughout Asia and beyond, has sought recourse through international arbitration mechanisms.

Panama has not yet publicly responded to the compensation claim. The case is expected to proceed through formal arbitration channels, which typically take several years to resolve. The outcome could have implications for how international investment treaties are applied in Latin America and the Caribbean region.