Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Panama placed $156 million in public debt at auction, topping market expectations and showing continued investor interest despite higher global rates. The result points to resilient demand for Panamanian sovereign debt.
The Panama Canal is facing rising pressure from climate-related water stress and global strategic competition. For Panama, protecting the canal’s reliability is becoming a major economic and geopolitical priority.
Mitsubishi Motors and Excel Panamá launched “Ayer, Hoy y Siempre Mitsubishi,” a campaign that ties the brand to Panamanian identity through local rock music. The rollout also includes the Promo XL, with bonuses, delayed payments and long-term financing.
Bocas del Toro’s banana sector has recovered more than 5,000 jobs and is preparing to resume reexports after the 2025 crisis. The rebound is a major sign of recovery for one of Panama’s key agricultural regions.
Panama reported a 25% rise in new contracts in the first quarter of 2026, with commerce and construction leading hiring. The labor ministry also highlighted stronger youth employment programs and a push toward digitalization.
Panama is part of a regional tourism push that bundles multi-country routes to attract more travelers and encourage longer stays. The strategy could help strengthen Panama’s role as a gateway destination in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a B/.64.6 million state contribution to the Tariff Stabilization Fund to reimburse electricity distributors for customer discounts from July to December 2025. The measure benefits 930,000 users who consumed up to 300 kWh per month.
Panama’s container terminal bidding process is under scrutiny amid concerns it favors non-U.S. operators. The outcome could influence the country’s role as a key logistics hub tied to the Panama Canal.
U.S. companies are facing difficult odds in the race for Panama container terminal concessions as the country reshapes port control. The bidding highlights the strategic and economic importance of Panama’s logistics network.
Panama’s Cepanim platform has surpassed 205,000 registrations, reaching about half of the beneficiaries included in the program. The MEF says the digital system is helping speed up the processing of pending payment certificates.
Panama’s proposed Fiscal Code reform is fueling debate over multinational companies, economic substance rules, and a possible 15% tax on firms without real operations in the country. The government says the measure will improve transparency and help Panama leave the EU tax-haven list.
Panama is being pressed to treat the global oil shock as a turning point, with calls for stronger reserves, targeted subsidies and faster energy reform. The country’s heavy reliance on imported fuel makes it especially exposed to higher prices.
The next leadership team at the Panama Canal could shape the country’s logistics future, with water security, competition, and strategy all at stake. The debate centers on choosing not just a manager, but a leader capable of steering long-term planning.
Panama’s Labor Ministry has launched a new AI-powered job bank with 1,500 companies already registered. The platform aims to simplify job searches and improve employer-candidate matching.
Panama is making maritime security a central part of its foreign policy, using multilateral diplomacy to defend its shipping interests and sovereignty. The move has drawn regional support and highlights the country’s role in global trade.
Nostalgia is becoming a major marketing tool in Panama City, where retro-themed spaces, vintage fashion and classic music are drawing consumers. The trend is also creating a cultural bridge between generations.
Panama’s banana industry in Bocas del Toro has recovered more than 5,000 jobs, according to the commerce and industries minister. Authorities say the gain reflects a broader trend of recovery in production and employment.
Panama is entering 2026 with strong salary-growth expectations and more than 75 executive vacancies across banking, retail and logistics. Employers are also planning broader hiring as they prepare for the year ahead.
The Panama Canal’s board of directors and advisory board are meeting in the United States to study logistics and infrastructure models that could inform future strategy. Their visit to Norfolk includes tours of distribution centers, port operations, and a tunnel project.
Panama’s foreign minister and Bahrain’s foreign minister discussed security in the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of freedom of navigation. The conversation reflects Panama’s ongoing focus on maritime stability and global shipping routes.