Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Panama is preparing for an EU fishing audit that could lift its yellow card and improve access to European seafood markets. Officials say new monitoring and traceability systems are nearly ready, with a decision expected after the review later this year.
Isla Perico has become a case study in Panama’s weak oversight of coastal concessions, as a long-running dispute over Las Brisas de Amador moves into forced liquidation. The island now mixes private developments, state facilities and unresolved legal conflicts over valuable Amador land and seabed use.
U.S. hotels in several 2026 World Cup host cities are still waiting for stronger reservations despite the tournament’s growing visibility. Operators are betting that bookings will rise sharply as match dates draw closer.
Casco Viejo has become Panama’s top tourist attraction, but complaints about noise and weak management are raising concerns about the visitor experience. The challenge now is whether authorities can protect the historic district’s appeal while tourism keeps growing.
Panama set a honey production record in 2025, reaching 67,620 gallons from 15,529 hives. The milestone underscores the sector’s growth, even as climate pressures, hive health issues and imported honey continue to challenge local producers.
The Panama Canal says it does not expect transit restrictions despite El Niño concerns over rainfall and water supply. The outlook is reassuring for shipping and for Panama’s logistics-driven economy.
Artificial intelligence is already affecting Panama’s finance, logistics, health, and hiring systems, but the country still lacks a specific legal framework. The debate now is whether waiting protects innovation or simply leaves key decisions in the hands of opaque systems.
Panama’s strategic geography could support a regional short-sea shipping network that eases road bottlenecks and strengthens trade. The debate now is whether the country will turn that idea into a true maritime strategy.
Panama’s rice debate is centering on food security, with millers urging data-driven planning to protect consumers, farmers and supply stability. Climate pressure from El Niño is adding urgency to decisions on inventories, harvest timing and market coordination.
Board diversity is advancing in Panama, but faster in highly regulated sectors such as finance and insurance. The trend is becoming a test of corporate competitiveness and governance maturity.
Panama is moving toward broader digital payments, but cash still dominates many everyday transactions because merchant acceptance remains uneven. The shift will depend on whether businesses adopt the tools customers are already ready to use.
Panama’s middle class is feeling the strain of high living costs, weak wage growth, and slower job creation. The debate now centers on how to restore mobility through better jobs, education, and productivity.
Panama has launched the process to build a gas pipeline along the Canal, a project expected to create thousands of jobs and bring major revenue. The plan is part of a broader energy corridor strategy aimed at diversifying Canal income and expanding the country’s logistics role.
Panama is being positioned as a possible regional hub for data and AI services tied to Latin America’s critical minerals boom. The proposal hinges on connectivity, digital incentives, and workforce training.
Panama will invest more than B/.6 million in tourism-related projects, including maintenance for Atlapa, a Bocas del Toro trail and the Chitré Convention Center. The spending aims to support travel, events and local economic activity across multiple regions.
Panama has emerged in Spain’s probe into the Plus Ultra airline rescue through a Panamanian securities firm tied to an earlier loan that helped the carrier qualify for bailout funds. The case underscores how Panama-registered companies can become part of high-profile international corruption and financing investigations.
Renters moving in with pets should review lease terms carefully, since rules on breed, size, deposits, and monthly pet fees can vary widely. Clear questions before signing can help avoid surprise costs and housing disputes.
Panama City has approved temporary late-night hours for eligible restaurants during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to boost tourism, sales and nightlife activity. The permit runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with a B/.500 fee and QR-coded certification for enforcement.
Panama is working to win back EU confidence in its fishing sector ahead of a new audit expected this year. Officials say stronger monitoring, traceability and fleet controls could pave the way to a green card and wider seafood access in Europe.
The Panama Canal is bracing for possible water shortages as NOAA forecasts a 98% chance of El Niño. The climate shift could affect canal operations, which depend on freshwater reserves in Panama’s watershed.