Panama Canal Transfer: US Control Ended in 1999, Not the Other Way Around

Correcting the Premise

Panama did not obtain control over the United States. Instead:

• 1903–1979: US controlled the Canal Zone (Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty).
• 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaties: Set timeline for transfer.
• 31 December 1999: Full sovereignty transferred to Panama.

Key Points

• Panama gained control of the canal, not the US.
• Panama Canal Authority (ACP) now operates it.
• US retains right to defend canal's neutrality (treaty).

The canal is a Panamanian success story—expanded in 2016 for neo-Panamax ships, generating billions in revenue annually.