Egypt denies America’s demand for free passage through Suez Canal

Posted on April 30, 2025   |  

Egypt strongly rejected Trump’s proposal to allow U.S. ships free passage through the Suez Canal.

The proposal was made in a phone call with President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi as a suggested "contribution" to U.S. efforts against Houthi attacks.

Egypt cited its legal right to charge tolls under the 1888 Constantinople Convention, which governs navigation through the canal.

The Convention allows Egypt to levy fees and restrict passage only to vessels from countries at war with it.

Egypt emphasized that foreign pressure on canal policy violates international law and national sovereignty.

The Suez Canal, built between 1859 and 1869, was nationalized by Egypt in 1956, ending colonial control.

Typically, 10% of global maritime trade flows through the canal, but Houthi attacks have halved ship traffic.

As a result, Suez Canal revenue fell by 61% in 2024, dropping from $10.2 billion to $3.9 billion.

Egypt lost nearly $7 billion due to the security crisis, which continues to impact global shipping lanes.