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Panama’s government has repealed the decree regulating luxury transport services and opened a new discussion on how the sector should be governed.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President José Raúl Mulino repealed Panama’s decree regulating transport platforms and ordered a new proposal within 90 days.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.
Costa Rica has backed Panama as sanctions and rising vessel detentions deepen a shipping dispute involving a Chinese consortium. The conflict underscores Panama’s dependence on stable maritime access and its role as a global shipping hub.
Ciao Ragazzi represented Panama at the Pizza World Championship in Parma and finished 10th in the world in the gluten-free category. The team also earned top Latin American rankings across multiple divisions.
Panama’s housing shortage is doing more than shutting families out of homeownership; it is also slowing construction, jobs and economic growth. The pressure is especially strong for lower- and middle-income households and in the country’s interior provinces.
Panama’s push to project itself as a modern hub continues to clash with slow, paper-based bureaucracy in parts of the state. Some institutions have advanced digitally, but others still resist deeper change.
Panama’s geographic position and open economy could give it a stronger role in global trade and energy as uncertainty rises. The key, according to this view, is preserving legal certainty and market openness.
Panama’s possible copper mine reopening is shaping up as a defining economic and political test for the government. Supporters argue it could restore jobs, revenue and investor confidence if a stronger contract and tighter environmental controls are secured.
Panama’s ports are drawing renewed attention as strategic assets in a broader regional power struggle over trade, investment, and influence. The issue underscores the country’s central role in global logistics and the Panama Canal economy.
Panama’s ship registry remains a major global asset, generating substantial state revenue and supporting a wide maritime ecosystem. New competitive pressures are pushing the country to improve service, compliance and technical support.
Panama’s new decree on digital ride-hailing platforms has triggered sharp criticism from lawmakers, former officials and users who say it protects traditional taxi interests. President José Raúl Mulino plans to meet transit and government authorities to review the concerns.