Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
First Quantum says Panama has lost $3.5 billion since the Cobre Panamá mine was halted, highlighting the economic cost of one of the country’s biggest investment disputes. The shutdown continues to shape debate over jobs, revenue, and the future of large-scale mining in Panama.
Panama City officials are considering longer restaurant hours during the World Cup while tightening nighttime inspections. Businesses that want to benefit from the event may need to meet permit and safety requirements first.
A new ocean-to-ocean rail concept used by Hyundai is drawing attention as a possible alternative to Panama Canal shipping. For Panama, the development underscores growing competition in global logistics and the need to protect the canal’s strategic edge.
Flamenco has become a case study in Panama’s struggle to manage reverted waterfront land, with one stalled resort project, two active concessions and unresolved legal questions. The island’s future matters because it sits at a strategic point near the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.
Beef prices in Panama continue to rise, squeezing household budgets as cattle numbers fall and production costs climb. Ranchers say weather shocks, fuel and labor expenses are helping keep prices high.
Panama is preparing for a European Union fisheries audit this year as it seeks to replace its yellow card with green card status. The decision could reshape seafood exports, market access and investment in the country’s fishing sector.
Banisi has reached US$1 billion in assets and registered a US$100 million bond program on LATINEX, expanding its funding options in Panama. The bank says the move supports its growth after 18 years in the market.
ENA Sur has opened the Hipódromo interchange on the Corredor Sur, adding new traffic connections for eastern Panama City. The remaining Costa del Este phase will complete the wider four-ramp project.
A cacao workshop in Chiriquí showed visitors how chocolate starts as fruit, then transforms through fermentation, roasting, and tempering. The experience also underscores Panama’s growing potential in specialty cacao and agritourism.
Panama is expanding its concept of security to include the digital systems that keep trade and government services running. The new cybersecurity push reflects the country’s growing dependence on trusted data infrastructure.
Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are renewing attention on Panama’s canal neutrality model and the country’s role in global shipping. The crisis also raises concerns for trade, fuel costs, and the stability of maritime routes worldwide.
Global energy and food shocks are accelerating interest in bioeconomy as a strategic alternative to fossil-dependent production. Latin America’s biodiversity and agricultural capacity could give the region a major role in the transition.
Trump’s proposed tax reform could make it easier to transfer wealth through voluntary private giving instead of tax-driven redistribution. The debate has implications for philanthropy, investment, and how governments shape incentives.
Panama hosted an international forum in Colón bringing together free zone leaders to promote investment, transparency and legal certainty. The event underscored Colón’s role in Panama’s logistics-driven economy.
World2Fly is ending its Madrid–Havana route, joining other airlines that have pulled back from Cuba amid sanctions pressure and a weakening tourism market. The move highlights growing strain on Caribbean air connectivity.
Panama’s Skytropic has received U.S. approval, underscoring the country’s growing role in regional executive aviation. The move may strengthen Panama’s position as a hub for cross-border business travel.
A California federal court dismissed Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, ruling the case was filed too late. The decision strengthens OpenAI as it pursues growth and a possible public offering.
Panama has expanded women’s participation in maritime institutions, with near parity at the Maritime Authority and strong representation at the Canal. But women remain a small minority among seafarers, showing the offshore sector still lags behind.
S&P Global sees a Mexican logistics corridor as a possible alternative to the Panama Canal, raising questions about competition in regional shipping. The debate highlights Panama’s dependence on canal traffic and the growing importance of reliable trade routes.
Panama and Singapore agreed to deepen cooperation in cybersecurity, semiconductors and AI during a meeting at the Palacio de las Garzas. The talks also highlighted the Canal’s expansion and Panama’s future megapuerto plans.