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 seeking clarity after detentions of Panamanian-flagged ships at Chinese ports rose 400%. Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Ruiz said the government hopes the issue is technical, not political.
Cruise tourism tied to the Panama Canal is expanding, adding momentum to Panama’s travel economy and reinforcing the canal’s appeal as a global attraction. The trend supports ports, local businesses, and the country’s broader tourism brand.
Bladex has filed its annual Form 20-F, offering investors a standard year-end look at the Panama-based bank’s operations and outlook. The filing underscores the bank’s role in regional trade finance and Panama’s financial sector.
Panama is gaining attention as a golf travel destination, with visitors able to pair stays at Marriott properties with leisure time, sightseeing, and course access. The country’s location, tourism infrastructure, and wider appeal make it attractive for vacationers seeking more than a standard golf trip.
President José Raúl Mulino revoked Panama’s decree regulating digital transport platforms, saying a broader dialogue is needed. The move reopens debate over how ride-hailing services should be governed.
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess has completed a Panama Canal crossing, spotlighting one of Panama’s most iconic travel experiences. The voyage underscores the canal’s lasting role in global shipping and cruise tourism.
Panama’s fuel prices remain closely tied to WTI crude, with adjustments made every 15 days. As global oil markets stay volatile, drivers and businesses face frequent changes at the pump.
Panama’s organized transport sector is preparing its response after the repeal of a decree tied to platform drivers and claims of unfair competition. The move intensifies an ongoing conflict over how digital ride services should be regulated.
Costa Rica has backed Panama in a growing dispute involving China-linked shipping interests, adding regional weight to a sensitive maritime issue. The clash highlights Panama’s strategic position in global trade through the Panama Canal.
Panama’s government has repealed the decree regulating luxury transport services and opened a new discussion on how the sector should be governed. The move sets up a fresh regulatory process for operators and authorities.
A legal challenge has been filed in Panama’s Supreme Court seeking to nullify the decree that regulates transport platforms. The move comes as the government prepares to review the issue, with possible implications for fares and market rules.
President José Raúl Mulino repealed Panama’s decree regulating transport platforms and ordered a new proposal within 90 days. The move removes the planned Taxi de Lujo category while the government reworks the rules.
Panama is moving to sanction a Chinese consortium over alleged contract breaches tied to the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal. The dispute underscores the high stakes of infrastructure projects linked to the canal corridor.
Panama’s new housing market is feeling the impact of the end of a decades-old ITBI exemption, with higher upfront costs and a reported 55% drop in sales. The change is reshaping affordability for buyers and pressure on developers.
A Panamanian lawmaker has taken the new decree regulating ride-hailing platforms like Uber and InDrive to the Supreme Court, arguing it could raise fares and bypass public consultation. The government says the measure is meant to bring order to a fast-growing market.
Panama’s planned Panama-David-Border railway could reach its first bidding stage in 2027 as feasibility studies continue. The first phase would link Panama City to Capira and could take at least five years to build.
Panama’s planned Panama-David-Frontera railway could begin construction in 2027, starting with the Panama-Capira segment. The project would link the capital with western Panama and eventually the border area.
Princess Cruises’ Star Princess has completed its first Panama Canal transit, marking an early milestone for the new ship. The passage highlights the canal’s ongoing importance in both global shipping and cruise travel.
Global crude prices surged after tensions between the United States and Iran, putting Panama’s next fuel-price adjustment under pressure. Venezuela’s shifting oil landscape adds another layer of uncertainty to regional energy markets.
Copa Airlines is expanding its fleet and adding Starlink connectivity as it strengthens Panama City’s role as a major regional hub. The move reflects the airline’s focus on growth, faster onboard service, and broader connectivity across the Americas.