Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The U.S. Treasury says it will put President Donald Trump’s signature on all new paper currency, a first for a sitting president. The change breaks with the traditional practice of using only the Treasury secretary and treasurer’s signatures.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission says it is closely monitoring an apparent surge in China detaining Panama-flagged ships. The FMC links the pattern to a Panama court ruling involving Hong Kong and an emerging dispute over port control.
US-backed investors have agreed to record-setting, billion-dollar deals for two IPL teams, including a Rajasthan Royals purchase tied to Kal Somani and Rob Walton. The transactions push IPL franchise valuations above the previous US$1 billion ceiling for the first time.
Commerce is shifting toward AI “agents” that increasingly sit between merchants and consumers. Leaders argue the main competition is for the consumer’s time, as shoppers spend more of their day interacting with AI than browsing websites.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission says it is closely monitoring reports that Chinese authorities have detained Panama-flagged vessels. The situation could affect shipping schedules and draw scrutiny to Panama’s ship registry.
Deloitte says the Greater Bay Area spent about 28.9 billion yuan on basic research in 2024, but basic research accounted for just 5.67% of total R&D—below China’s national average. The report warns the tech-heavy region may be underfunding foundational science despite strength in semiconductors and smart manufacturing.
Panama’s gambling sector is expanding rapidly as sports betting, digital technology and tourism converge. Growth is attracting investors but also raising regulatory and social challenges.
Hainan has opened as a free-trade port, prompting warnings that it could undercut Hong Kong’s duty-free appeal. A key counterargument is that Hong Kong’s edge lies in its role as a global financial hub under China’s opening-up strategy.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission warned that China has sharply increased detentions of Panamanian-flagged ships, a move linked to a legal dispute over Panama’s terminal concessions and with potential trade implications.
IndexBox reports a dispute between CK Hutchison and Panama over a port concession has topped $2 billion. The report provides the headline amount but no further details.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission warned of possible actions against China after intensified inspections and detentions of Panama-flagged vessels, linking the measures to the transfer of Hutchison port assets.
Copa Airlines’ ALAS academy graduated 42 new commercial pilots in Panama, including 14 women (33%). The non-profit academy trains on Diamond aircraft as Copa plans to hire 350+ pilots.
Russia is positioning itself to profit from the Iran war’s disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with Putin urging energy suppliers to use higher “additional revenues.” A temporary easing of US sanctions is also cited as boosting Moscow’s advantage in supplying Asia.
The WTO is holding a crunch meeting amid growing uncertainty over whether members can agree on reforms to the multilateral trade system. Failure to reach consensus could accelerate fragmentation, with some countries creating alternative “rulebooks.”
China has detained Panama-flagged ships in the context of a dispute over port control, according to a US agency cited in a report. The incident comes amid increased US pressure aimed at limiting Chinese influence around the Panama Canal.
Apatel president Víctor Concepción opposes a draft law to charge $10 to transit passengers at Tocumen Airport, calling the measure unconsulted and harmful to tourism.
OpenAI has suspended plans for an erotic chatbot feature known internally as “modo Citron,” after criticism reported by the Financial Times. The move raises moderation and regulatory questions for users and policymakers in Panama.
gCaptain reports a rise in vessel detentions at Panamanian ports amid a dispute involving China, a development a U.S. regulator has warned could affect shipping and trade through Panama.
Reuters reports the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission is monitoring a surge in detentions of Panama-flagged vessels in China amid a reported dispute over port control, raising concerns for Panama’s maritime registry.
China says it has completed a tariff investigation and warned it could impose retaliatory measures against Mexico. The duties, ranging from 5% to 50% on 1,463 product categories, may also complicate Mexico’s parallel US trade talks.