Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
CK Hutchison-linked Panama Ports Company has launched arbitration against Maersk over the takeover of the Balboa and Cristóbal port terminals. The dispute adds fresh uncertainty to two of Panama’s most strategic shipping facilities.
Marco Rubio accused China of bullying Panama-flagged ships amid a detention dispute tied to the Panama Canal. The case puts Panama’s global shipping role and flag registry under international scrutiny.
BDA disbursed B/.33.5 million in 2025 to support producers in Panama as it moves toward becoming the Instituto de Fomento Agropecuario. The financing underscores the bank’s role in agricultural development.
Maersk says it is not responsible for the claims filed by Panama Ports Company as the dispute over the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals moves to arbitration. The case stems from Panama’s Supreme Court ruling that voided PPC’s concession and triggered a new operating arrangement.
The Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal has reached 35% overall completion, with foundation work already 75% finished. The project is a major infrastructure effort aimed at improving connectivity and easing traffic in the capital area.
Panama City canceled the bidding process for the $8 million renewal of Calle 50, saying the municipality must reprogram its investment budget. The project aimed to improve mobility, accessibility and public space along one of the capital’s busiest corridors.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works will receive a detailed structural report on the Bridge of the Americas from US Army engineers next Monday. The review highlights the bridge’s importance as a critical link across the entrance to the Panama Canal.
Panama’s dollar-based economy and role as a regional financial hub make cross-border payments an important issue for residents and expats. International transfers, banking rules, and digital payment tools all shape how money moves in and out of the country.
Maersk has rejected responsibility in the dispute over the Port of Balboa after Panama Ports Company launched international arbitration. The case adds another layer to Panama’s broader fight over port operations and investor rights.
Panama Ports Company says Maersk’s actions undermined its contract tied to terminals at both ends of the Panama Canal. The dispute underscores the strategic importance of Panama’s canal-linked ports to global shipping.
Panama has ended a decades-long exemption and will now charge a 2% Property Transfer Tax on new homes. The change adds a new upfront cost for first-time buyers and has prompted calls from developers for a rethink.
Panama’s exporters are under growing pressure from higher oil prices, rising freight costs, and geopolitical tensions that are pushing up trade expenses. Industry leaders say the country still has room to grow if it cuts bureaucracy and strengthens logistics.
CK Hutchison’s Panama unit has launched arbitration over a port takeover dispute tied to operations near the Panama Canal. The case highlights the strategic and political importance of port control in Panama.
Paraguay reaffirmed its support for Panama as host of the 2026 OAS General Assembly in Panama City. The two countries also discussed trade, logistics, and cooperation against organized crime.
Apede president Giulia De Sanctis called for a critical infrastructure law in Panama after a fuel tank explosion led to the temporary closure of the Bridge of the Americas. The incident underscored the vulnerability of key transport links in the country.
Panama’s Cabinet approved two bills to join key international metrology bodies, a move aimed at improving measurement standards, trade, and competitiveness. The proposals would give the country fuller participation in global scientific and legal measurement systems.
A dispute over control of two Panama Canal ports is heading to arbitration after Panama Ports Co. challenged the government’s concession decision. The case carries major commercial and geopolitical weight for Panama’s logistics sector.
Panama has imposed a 2% ITBI tax on newly built homes, a move that housing leaders say will make it harder for families to buy and could slow construction. The sector warns the measure may reduce sales, especially in the lower-priced market.
The Colón Fair opens April 8 for an 11-day run through April 19, with organizers targeting more than 100,000 visitors. The event is set to be a major draw for the province.
A Hong Kong company has launched arbitration against Maersk over the takeover of Panama ports, escalating a dispute tied to one of Panama’s most strategic industries. The case highlights the economic and geopolitical importance of the country’s port and logistics network.