Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
A subsidiary of a Hong Kong-based company is seeking $2 billion in damages after Panama took control of two key ports on the Panama Canal, raising economic and diplomatic stakes.
CK Hutchison has expanded its arbitration against Panama over the loss of Balboa and Cristóbal, deepening a dispute that followed the Supreme Court’s annulment of the port concession law. The government maintains the takeover was lawful and tied to that ruling.
Panama City is considering a tunnel beneath the Panama Canal and has shown interest in Elon Musk’s Boring Company for the project. The idea reflects growing pressure to improve transportation across the capital’s canal-divided geography.
Panama’s political debate is centered on José Raúl Mulino’s Miami meeting with Donald Trump, the future of key port terminals, and the water crisis. The issues are drawing scrutiny over diplomacy, infrastructure and public service delivery.
Panama collected $6.257 billion in taxes in 2025, up from the previous year, but still missed its budget goal by 22.3%. Income tax drove much of the growth, while indirect taxes and ITBMS remained weaker than projected.
Two ports tied to the Panama Canal have become a flashpoint in the rivalry between the United States and China. The dispute highlights Panama’s strategic role at one of the world’s most important trade routes.
The Panama Canal Authority has launched a new employment portal that centralizes job searches, applications and hiring updates. More than 20 technical, professional and student positions are currently open.
The ATP has declared that fiscal incentives for Hoteles Decameron’s Río Hato project expired on Dec. 31, 2025, ending 26 years of benefits and prompting notifications to fiscal and customs authorities.
Hong Kong has issued a strong protest after Panama took control of canal ports, raising questions about the implications for trade, sovereignty, and port operations. The dispute highlights the international sensitivity surrounding the Panama Canal.
Panama has assumed operational control of the Port of Balboa, ending years of management by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings. The move could reshape operations and trade flows tied to the Panama Canal.
Panama has canceled a China-linked port deal and shifted canal terminals to Maersk and MSC, a move with major trade and geopolitical implications. The source does not give full details on the terms or timing of the change.
CNBC reports CK Hutchison has warned of legal action amid an intensifying U.S.–China contest over Panama Canal ports, raising commercial and geopolitical stakes for Panama.
The Panama Canal Authority and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council signed an MOU to strengthen cooperation on grain shipments, data sharing and market analysis, reinforcing the Canal’s role in U.S. agricultural trade.
Newsweek reports a U.S. strategic gain at the Panama Canal as China seeks greater port access across the Americas, highlighting rising competition over maritime infrastructure.
A 2025 market analysis reports Panama’s housing sector entered the year with cautious optimism, with moderate price recovery led by off‑plan sales and support from expats and tourism.
The Panama Canal Authority published prequalification documents on Jan. 30, 2026 for a 76 km energy corridor pipeline and two container terminals, advancing its Strategic Vision 2025–2035.
Panama’s supreme court cancelled a concession held by a subsidiary of a Chinese company, prompting Beijing’s rebuke while the president assured that Panama Canal operations and ports will continue as usual.
The Panama Canal Authority and Monjasa signed a five-year cooperation agreement to fund SDG-aligned projects in the Panama Canal Watershed, focusing on environmental protection, decarbonization, and community development.
Panama City Hall will offer a 10% discount on annual tax payments for businesses and advertising taxes paid in full during January 2026. The benefit can be processed through Alcaldía Digital or at municipal payment centers.
Panama’s draft fiscal reform is drawing scrutiny from tax experts and lawyers as the government seeks to meet EU tax standards and exit the blacklist in 2026. Critics want more time and clearer rules to avoid harming investment and productive sectors.