Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Panama’s ITBI is back in the spotlight as real estate sector critics question how the 2% transfer tax is applied and who should pay it. The debate is also raising concerns about the effect of removing exemptions on a weak property market.
A 23-acre farmland parcel in Penonomé, Coclé, is being marketed after a $10,000 price cut. The property is positioned in Panama’s agricultural heartland and is being promoted to buyers interested in rural land.
Panama has resumed yellowfin tuna exports to the United States after 26 years, opening a new opportunity for the country’s fishing sector. The move could boost export earnings and strengthen Panama’s seafood trade.
Oil and gas tankers are crowding the Panama Canal as the Middle East war reshapes global energy routes. The surge highlights Panama’s role as a strategic shortcut for LNG and other fuel shipments.
Panama Canal delays of about two and a half days are fueling attention on a $4 million priority fee that lets some vessels jump the queue. The congestion underscores the canal’s outsized role in global shipping and the high value of faster passage.
Capac Expo Hábitat 2026 opened in Panama with more than 300 housing projects on display, highlighting the strength of the country’s real estate sector. The annual fair remains a major showcase for private development and construction activity.
Davivienda is strengthening its mortgage strategy in Panama, signaling a push to attract home buyers with more competitive financing. The move highlights the importance of housing credit in the country’s banking and real estate markets.
Panama has opened its first cyber monitoring center as part of a broader effort to respond to hacking threats. The new initiative underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity for government and private-sector operations.
Tomato prices are rising in Panama City’s San Felipe Neri market as fuel costs increase the expense of transporting produce. The change is putting more pressure on household budgets and local vendors.
Municipalities in Panama are increasingly partnering with private companies to fund education, culture, and public-space projects. The model is gaining importance as local governments look for ways to expand community services and social impact.
Merchants at Merca Panamá expect some product prices to ease after cargo transport was added to the fuel subsidy. The move could lower logistics costs and eventually benefit consumers.
Panama’s new decree for ride-hailing platforms is drawing sharp criticism for requiring operating permits, transport backing, and taxi-style rules. Opponents say the changes could raise costs, reduce competition, and weaken app-based mobility.
Banco Davivienda is expanding its mortgage strategy in Panama with competitive rates and cost-saving benefits for home buyers. The package includes legal fee coverage, appraisal refunds, and no renewal fees every five years.
Expovivienda is seeing strong attendance in its 23rd edition, with more than 100 developers and nearly 300 housing projects on display across Panama. The fair highlights continued interest in residential property in both the capital and the interior.
Panama’s World Entrepreneurship Day reflection centers on a bigger goal than starting businesses: helping micro and small enterprises grow with technology, skills and better support. The push is to turn entrepreneurship into a stronger engine of productivity, inclusion and economic resilience.
President José Raúl Mulino has called a meeting with transport officials to review the decree classifying Uber and InDriver as luxury taxis in Panama. The decision follows criticism from the transport sector.
Banco Davivienda is rolling out a stronger mortgage offer in Panama at Expo Vivienda CAPAC 2026, with lower upfront costs and faster processing. The bank is also backing its housing push with broader financial services and expanded customer support.
Uber and inDrive reacted to Panama’s new decree regulating app-based transport and converting it into luxury taxis. President José Raúl Mulino said he will meet with authorities to review concerns over the measure.
Panama’s CADE 2026 will run from April 22 to 24 and put the country’s possible closer alignment with the OECD in focus. The business gathering is expected to frame a broader debate over Panama’s economic direction and global standing.
Oil and LNG tankers are flooding the Panama Canal as Middle East tensions push more energy shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast toward Asia. The surge has lifted daily transits above earlier projections and raised congestion at the strategic waterway.