March 18, 2026

Law360 reports that Panama missed a deadline in a dispute involving canal ports; details are sparse but the procedural lapse could speed legal or operational consequences.

Former President Ricardo Martinelli says prosecutors accepted a criminal complaint he filed against digital outlet Foco alleging extortion and bribery; his team has filed over 12 complaints against the outlet.

Liverpool overturned a 1-0 first-leg defeat with a 4-0 win at Anfield to progress 4-1 on aggregate over Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Gunshots rang out during Chaharshanbe Suri celebrations in Tehran, forcing attendees to flee. Initial reports did not give details on injuries or official response.

Panama and Germany strengthened economic ties at a high-level meeting focused on logistics, the Panama Canal and investment opportunities, highlighting the SEM regime and existing German corporate presence.

gCaptain reports an increase in LNG shipments through the Panama Canal as shippers reroute to avoid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, raising operational and economic implications for Panama.

Iran attacked Gulf energy sites after the Pars gas field was hit, striking Qatar’s Ras Laffan and prompting missile interceptions in Saudi Arabia, pushing oil prices higher.

Acodeco has warned that a government bill mandating ethanol-blended gasoline may violate constitutional protections, harm competition and leave consumers facing equipment and warranty risks.

President Trump issued a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act to allow foreign ships to move fuel between U.S. ports, aiming to stabilize petrol costs amid oil disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Macao will host the 2026 International Cities of Gastronomy Fest from 20-29 March, gathering nearly 40 UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy and ten other UNESCO Creative Cities.

Panama will play two friendly matches against South Africa in Durban on March 27 and Cape Town on March 31 as part of preparations during the March FIFA window.

Mark Newnham notched a career-best five winners at Happy Valley, moving to 40 wins and second in the trainers’ championship, while Andrea Atzeni recorded a second four-timer in as many weeks.

Pakistan announced a temporary pause in strikes in Afghanistan ahead of Eid, at the request of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, effective midnight Wednesday through midnight Monday.

Hong Kong police and fire officials raided three illegal fuelling stations last week, seizing more than 1,800 litres of petrol and arresting multiple suspects as oil prices climb.

Panama’s Cabinet approved a decree on March 18, 2026, allowing the Ministry of Economy and Finance to seek up to $12 billion in financing to cover the State’s liquidity needs. The move gives the MEF authority to arrange funding, with details on instruments and timing to follow.

Donald Trump’s request to delay a planned China visit after his decision to attack Iran, amid White House turmoil, has reportedly strained Beijing’s patience and complicated diplomacy.

Telemetro reports Panama will roll out a digital driver’s license priced between $6 and $8; authorities will soon detail how to apply and the changes it will bring.

Panama is moving toward contactless electronic payments on the Metro and Metrobús, enabling bank cards and digital devices for fare payment and reducing reliance on cash.

Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission has urged the stock exchange to tighten listing and compliance rules after reviewing 2024 cases involving internal controls, auditor resignations and listing processes.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged EU leaders to bypass Hungary’s veto blocking a vital €90bn (US$103bn) loan, calling resolution of the dispute the main issue at an upcoming Brussels summit.