Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Traffic through the Panama Canal is rising as Middle East tensions prompt shipping companies to rethink global routes. The shift reinforces Panama’s role as a key hub in international trade.
Panama’s government is under renewed pressure over mining, bioethanol, and conflict-of-interest concerns that critics say expose selective enforcement of the law. The debate has become a broader test of transparency and accountability under President José Raúl Mulino.
Copa Airlines has ordered 60 Boeing 737 MAX jets in a deal worth more than $13.5 billion, setting up a major expansion of its Panama-based hub. The airline says the fleet growth will boost jobs, connectivity, and tourism across the country.
New fuel prices are set to take effect in Panama this Friday, with diesel expected to drop 40 cents per gallon. Gasoline 95 may rise slightly, while 91-octane is expected to stay the same.
The United States and Latin American governments have criticized China’s response to tensions involving the Panama Canal. The dispute underscores the canal’s importance as a strategic trade route and Panama’s role at the center of regional diplomacy.
The Panama Canal Authority expects transit growth as shipping diverts through the waterway amid Middle East tensions. The trend highlights the canal’s continued importance to Panama’s economy and global trade.
Panama Canal fees have reached $4 million as shipping traffic is diverted away from the Strait of Hormuz. The shift underscores how global security concerns can quickly affect Panama’s key trade route.
The United States and allied countries issued a joint statement backing Panama’s sovereignty and highlighting the country’s role in global maritime affairs. The message also referenced recent actions affecting Panama-flagged vessels.
Panama is at the center of a widening dispute over shipping, trade, and foreign influence as the United States and allies voice support amid China-related tensions. The conflict includes a Supreme Court ruling and a legal fight over the status of maritime operations.
Several states have criticized China for detaining ships flagged in Panama, drawing attention to the country’s major role in global shipping. The dispute highlights how Panama’s maritime registry can become part of wider international tensions.
A blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed more shipping toward the Panama Canal, lifting fee revenue to about $4 million. The development shows how global security shocks can quickly affect Panama’s key trade route.
Six countries in the Americas voiced support for Panama after accusing China of pressuring Panamanian-flagged ships. The declaration framed the dispute as a matter of sovereignty and regional maritime security.
The Panama Canal is seeing more vessel traffic as the war in West Asia pushes shipping companies to change routes. The shift underscores the canal’s importance in global trade and Panama’s strategic role in maritime commerce.
Caja de Ahorros is promoting a $600 million financing mechanism to help contractors maintain liquidity and speed up public works in Panama. The plan is meant to strengthen the flow between private builders and the State.
Panama has increased women’s participation on corporate boards to just over 25% in 2025, up from 14.57% in 2018. The challenge now is turning legal compliance into lasting governance change.
The United States is publicly backing Panama as tensions rise over Chinese pressure tied to trade and shipping. The move highlights Panama’s strategic importance because of the Panama Canal.
Expo Boquete will gather businesses and entrepreneurs in Chiriquí to promote brands, services, and new projects. The event aims to support tourism and local economic activity in Boquete.
Copa Airlines and Boeing announced an order for up to 60 737 MAX jets in Panama, marking a major fleet expansion for the country’s flagship carrier. The deal underscores Copa’s regional growth plans and Panama’s role as a key aviation hub.
China has rejected a U.S.-led regional statement supporting Panama in a canal dispute, accusing Washington of politicizing the issue. The exchange highlights the canal’s central role in sovereignty, trade and geopolitical competition.
The Panama Canal is seeing more vessel traffic as conflict in the Middle East pushes shipping companies to rethink global routes. The trend highlights the canal’s continuing importance to world trade and Panama’s economy.