Business

Saudi Arabia has opened a Red Sea ‘Plan B’ using Yanbu to route crude around the closed Strait of Hormuz, allowing some VLCCs to avoid the chokepoint amid ongoing regional conflict.

FreshPlaza reports that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed some shipping traffic toward the Panama Canal, increasing transits and raising operational and economic considerations for the waterway and Panama.

At a Panama–Germany Economic Meeting, officials and business representatives highlighted investment and logistics cooperation, noting German business activity in advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals in Panama.

Hutchison has intensified criticism of Panama in a port terminal dispute, alleging unconstitutional actions, a “radical occupation,” and improper seizure of investor documents, raising concerns about foreign investment.

Port Technology reports a recent surge in inspections of Panama-flagged vessels at Chinese ports, a development with potential operational and reputational consequences for ship operators and Panama’s registry.

Cosco Shipping Ports posted modest 2025 gains — net profit up 1.1% to US$312.1m, revenue up 11% — and said it expects only a limited impact from the Iran conflict while eyeing expansion in emerging markets.

Hong Kong’s labour chief says Middle East tensions have made the city more attractive to international professionals, praising government recruitment efforts and disputing claims that most successful applicants are from mainland China.

BNamericas reports that Panama has appointed an advisor to manage the sale of a stake in a power asset. The move signals a transition into transaction preparation, though key details remain undisclosed.

Hong Kong’s Airport Authority and a private partner will build a HK$300 million art storage facility set to open next year as the city seeks to strengthen its role in global art trade.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board will devote 75% of its resources to overseas markets and launch a global campaign by end-April to attract more overnight high spenders and diversify visitors.

Hong Kong’s unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage point to 3.8% over three months, with job gains in retail, accommodation and foundation and superstructure sectors, officials said.

A new report finds rising electric vehicle adoption cut global oil consumption by 1.7 million barrels per day last year, offsetting about 70% of Iran’s 2025 exports as the Iran war drives petrol price volatility.

Alibaba Cloud and Baidu are raising prices for certain cloud services by up to 34%, citing rising AI demand and infrastructure costs; Alibaba’s increases on AI-chip services take effect April 18.

The U.S. has launched trade probes that include several ASEAN nations, citing forced labour and trade surpluses; the investigations risk straining ties and could lead to new levies.

A We Build Value piece lists the Panama Canal among global maritime choke points, underscoring the waterway’s strategic importance and the implications for Panama’s economy and logistics.

Chiquita has restarted limited banana production in Panama as a trial ahead of restarting exports, testing readiness across cultivation and supply-chain operations.

An EIN Presswire report describes how a private vault facility in Panama City has become a discreet hub for global wealth protection, highlighting factors that draw international clients.

An EIN Presswire analysis argues that Beijing’s response to Panama’s policy shift highlights risks to ports, infrastructure and future foreign direct investment, citing the Panama Ports Company.

Atlas Vaults in Panama City has become a discreet center for private storage of precious metals, drawing investors who seek physical wealth protection in a dollarized, strategically located jurisdiction.

An IndexBox report says a Hong Kong firm alleges the Panamanian government missed an arbitration deadline in a ports dispute. The claim raises legal and investor uncertainty while details are pending.