Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
A shipping expert says the upheaval tied to the US–Israel conflict involving Iran has exposed a gap in China’s maritime insurance capability. While China is strong in shipping “hardware,” it still relies on others in the “software” of risk coverage.
The U.S. is accusing China of detaining ships flying Panama’s flag, according to reporting shared by the China-Global South Project. The claim underscores the geopolitical stakes of maritime enforcement for Panama-linked shipping.
The WTO’s MC14 ministerial conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, is being treated as a symbol of trade governance in an era of geopolitical strain. Coverage suggests a possible shift toward a “world minus one” order, where coalitions move forward even when universal consensus is hard to reach.
China is detaining Panama-flagged ships amid a dispute over port control, according to the Federal Maritime Commission. The case highlights Panama’s central role in global shipping and the risks of maritime tensions.
Kenya signed an “early harvest” trade deal with China, granting duty-free, quota-free access for products like tea, coffee and avocados starting in May. Analysts warn that rising debt and US–China competition could complicate deeper ties.
Malaysia has cut the monthly quota for subsidised petrol as fuel pressures tied to the US–Israel war on Iran push up diesel costs for food manufacturers. Companies warn higher energy costs could force closures or price increases, raising inflation risk.
Panama City’s municipality and the Social Security Fund (CSS) have formalized a partnership to reduce waiting times by digitizing services. The cooperation aims to streamline access and improve how residents interact with both institutions.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino says he is confident the country’s bioethanol project will be approved within a “reasonable timeframe” for the benefit of all. The statement focuses on timely decision-making but does not add further project details.
A new report from EIN Presswire says Panama’s betting market is expanding, helped by sports interest, technology adoption, and tourism-driven visibility. The piece projects a promising outlook for the industry, though it does not cite detailed figures or policy changes.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission says detentions of Panama-flagged ships in China are far above normal, raising concerns about intensified inspections tied to a port asset transfer. The warning could matter for Panama’s shipping registry and global trade flows.
Beijing Tong Ren Tang Healthcare Investment has postponed its planned Hong Kong IPO, citing prevailing market conditions and other factors. The delay disrupts a Monday slate of trading debuts that included an ETF and firms linked to AI and robotics.
The U.S. has accused China of detaining ships flying Panama’s flag, drawing attention to how the dispute could affect Panama-registered commercial shipping.
The European Parliament is sending a delegation to China next week for the first similar visit in eight years, sending mixed signals amid concerns that Beijing’s lobbying efforts are working. Members will meet officials, customs and port authorities, and companies including Shein and Temu.
Greater Bay Airlines is raising its Hong Kong fuel surcharge by 34% for flights outside mainland China, citing Middle East-linked oil price volatility. SF Express is also moving to weekly fuel surcharge updates to reflect rapid international oil fluctuations.
Tras múltiples aplazamientos de la mezcla obligatoria de bioetanol en Panamá, el gobierno impulsa el proyecto de ley 443, aprobado en primer debate, para modificar la Ley 42. La propuesta fija un 10% sin fases, cambia el tratamiento de importaciones y plantea garantías de 15 años, mientras exfuncionarios piden revisar controles de precios y efectos sobre el consumidor.
Aunque Panamá produce y consume mucha cerveza, la columna advierte que el modelo actual deja poco valor local por la dependencia de insumos importados. Propone que una Estrategia Nacional de Bioeconomía ayude a transformar materias primas y capturar más retorno en el país.
Hong Kong’s lived-in home prices rose 1.6% in February for an 11th straight month of gains as rents hit another peak. The recovery is unfolding alongside geopolitical uncertainty tied to Iran, which could affect investor sentiment.
A U.S. regulator has warned amid growing China-Panama tensions as a reported surge in ship detentions escalates an ongoing port dispute. The latest moves follow Panama Supreme Court rulings affecting legal actions tied to port-related operations.
China has detained Panama-flagged ships during a dispute over port control linked to rulings affecting Hutchison’s port concessions. China says the decision is an “act of bad faith,” raising new questions for maritime interests tied to Panama’s flag.
More than 50 companies expressed interest in the $1.2 million Parque de Brisas del Golf improvement project, and a site visit for bidders took place this Thursday.