Marco Rubio accused China of weaponizing trade as a dispute over Panama Canal ports grew more tense. The comments highlight how the canal remains central to Panama’s economy and geopolitics.
Panama will field 247 athletes at the 2026 South American Youth Games, where the host nation will compete in every sport on the program. Dessire Frías and Raúl Antadillas were chosen as flag bearers for the opening ceremony.
Casco Antiguo will host Holy Thursday observances, including the Seven Churches walk, a 6:00 p.m. Mass at the cathedral, and a procession led by the Brotherhood of the Holy Supper. A new anda will be used for the first time.
Panama has launched a Semana Santa traffic operation with lane reversals beginning at 11:00 a.m. to ease holiday departures. The measure aims to reduce congestion as travelers leave the city for the long weekend.
US-China trade continued to shrink as new US data showed tariff tensions are still weighing on the relationship ahead of a planned Xi meeting in Beijing. The developments add pressure on global trade just as both sides seek a way to stabilise ties.
Repeated detentions of Panama-flagged vessels in China have prompted concern over compliance, port-state enforcement, and the reputation of Panama’s ship registry. The issue matters because Panama remains one of the most important flags in global shipping.
Panama has received the first batch of its 2026 influenza vaccines, with free shots set to begin Monday at Minsa, CSS, and participating private hospitals. The government has secured 1.2 million doses for the national campaign.
Panama’s Supreme Court has rejected a constitutional challenge in the case against former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo, who remains under house arrest on an unjustified enrichment charge.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat has set new maximum fuel prices nationwide, a change that will affect household budgets, transport costs, and business expenses. The update is being closely watched for its impact on daily spending.
Panama expelled a Colombian man linked to Tren de Aragua after migration authorities said his presence posed a public safety risk. The case underscores the country’s tighter stance on security-related migration enforcement.
Panama’s Holy Thursday tradition of visiting seven churches continues across the country, with Betania offering a practical route in the capital. The custom remains a central part of Semana Santa observance for Catholic communities.
Marco Rubio has voiced concern over China’s detention of Panama-flagged vessels, putting the spotlight on Panama’s global shipping registry. The issue matters for the country’s maritime economy and its standing in international trade.
Panama will begin its free influenza vaccination campaign on April 6, starting with 384,000 doses distributed nationwide. Health officials are prioritizing older adults, children, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions.
Panama will apply new maximum fuel prices from April 3 to April 17 as international oil markets remain volatile. The increase is linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and pressure on crude prices.
Marco Rubio accused China of bullying after Panama-flagged ships were reportedly detained or delayed, raising fresh concerns around global shipping tensions. The dispute puts Panama’s role in international maritime trade back in the spotlight.
Panama’s retirees and pensioners will receive a double payment in the second half of April, including the first B/.50 permanent bonus. The extra money is expected to provide important support for fixed-income households.
Marco Rubio accused China of bullying after Panama-flagged ships were briefly delayed following a clash tied to the Panama Canal. The dispute highlights Panama’s outsized role in global shipping and its exposure to U.S.-China tensions.
Panama’s government and transport leaders agreed on the digital controls that will support a temporary fuel stabilization measure for public transport and key productive sectors. The Cabinet-approved plan sets capped fuel prices and allocates up to B/.100 million over as long as 10 months.
Marco Rubio warned that China’s intensified inspections of Panamanian-flagged ships could disrupt global supply chains and raise logistics costs. His comments come amid a wider dispute tied to Panama’s port terminals at Balboa and Cristóbal.
Panama’s women’s national team has announced its squad for the Concacaf W qualifier against Aruba on April 9. The match will air live on TVMAX at 7:00 p.m.