Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Carwiz has launched car rental operations in Panama, expanding options for travelers and adding competition to the country’s mobility market. The move underscores Panama’s role as a regional hub for tourism and business travel.
Panama has issued 393 fines totaling B/.98,435.00 since 2019 for violations of its reusable bag rules. The enforcement underscores ongoing compliance pressure on retailers.
President José Raúl Mulino returned three bills to the National Assembly, objecting to proposals on debt prescription, municipal taxes and office rentals. He said the measures raise constitutional and practical concerns.
Ships are rerouting through the Panama Canal as disruption in the Middle East reshapes global trade, pushing canal fees to about $4 million. The trend highlights Panama’s strategic role in international shipping and its economic dependence on canal traffic.
Panama Canal transit fees have climbed to $4 million as shipping reroutes away from disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The shift is adding congestion, costs, and pressure to global trade flows.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance says each participant in the 2026 Fiscal Lottery can win only one prize per regional drawing. The rule is one of the first confirmed details tied to the upcoming lottery.
Traffic through the Panama Canal is rising, while the Panama Canal Authority is pushing back on reports of unusually high auction prices for transit slots. The developments highlight the canal’s central role in Panama’s economy and global shipping.
Panama’s Maritime Authority is in direct contact with the operators and owner of a Panamanian-flagged vessel intercepted in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident underscores the global reach of Panama’s ship registry and the strategic importance of the waterway.
Businesses are paying up to $4 million to move ships through the Panama Canal as tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz disrupt global shipping routes. The surge highlights the canal’s role as a critical alternative for international trade.
Transit fees for the Panama Canal have jumped as Middle East conflict disrupts shipping and pushes more vessels to seek alternative routes. The rise highlights the canal’s role as a key shortcut in global trade and a major source of revenue for Panama.
Traffic through the Panama Canal is rising, but officials are moving to ease fears of major congestion. The canal remains a crucial link in global shipping and a pillar of Panama’s economy.
Panama has approved processing of a 38 million-tonne stockpile at Cobre Panamá, a move with major economic and political implications. The decision reflects the government’s effort to balance mining activity, investor confidence, and constitutional concerns.
President José Raúl Mulino met with fishing industry leaders to agree on actions aimed at boosting Panama’s exports. The talks centered on strengthening the sector’s international trade prospects.
CADE 2026 is turning Panama’s possible OECD accession into a major business and policy discussion. The conference brings experts together to assess what membership could mean for the country’s economy and institutions.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a quota to import 90,000 quintals of green coffee after officials warned of a domestic shortage. The measure runs through September 30, 2026 and carries a 3% import duty.
Four sugar mills have expressed interest in producing ethanol in Panama as lawmakers debate a bill that would mandate ethanol-gasoline blending. The proposal could reshape both the fuel market and the role of the sugar industry.
Panama’s basic food basket has risen slightly, with Acodeco checks showing a larger increase in small shops than in supermarkets. The shift adds more pressure to household budgets, even as the price changes remain modest.
Panama’s Maritime Authority has advised Panamanian-flagged vessels to steer clear of the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing monitoring of incidents involving the ships Euphoria and MSC Francesca. The move underscores Panama’s role as a major flag state in global shipping.
Panama has launched a temporary fuel subsidy for essential cargo transport and fishing to help offset operating costs. The measure is aimed at supporting supply chains and easing pressure on key productive sectors.
TVN Media and Jump have renewed their alliance to support entrepreneurship in Panama, offering visibility and tools to help new businesses grow. The partnership aims to back ventures with sustainable and social impact.