How the Panama Canal could factor into the 2016 campaign

The 2016 election will feature two candidates who reject, at least rhetorically, international trade. But it may be difficult for either to maintain that position once in office because international trade is likely to get many more friends thanks to the expansion of the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal Authority is scheduled on June 26 to officially open the $5.4 billion renovation of the main connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that will allow passage of ships with capacities of up to three times the size of the current ones.