The Panama Canal is less important from the commercial point of view than the Suez Canal because

The correct answer is: [D] Locks are built in the Panama Canal. Unlike the Suez Canal, which is essentially a sea-level waterway, the Panama Canal incorporates locks to navigate the elevation changes between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. These locks limit the size and capacity of vessels that can traverse the canal, making it less efficient and economically favorable for larger ships compared to the Suez Canal. Additionally, the Suez Canal is strategically located between Europe and Asia, facilitating trade between densely populated regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, whereas the Panama Canal serves primarily trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic routes. While the Panama Canal plays a vital role in global trade, its reliance on locks and geographical location contribute to its lesser commercial significance compared to the Suez Canal, which offers a more direct and efficient passage for maritime traffic between major trading regions.