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 stepping up its Canadian tourism campaign with trade events in Toronto and Montreal, highlighting easy entry rules, Copa’s stopover program, and warm-weather appeal. Officials are targeting Ontario travelers as winter demand rises.
The United States is watching China’s retaliation involving Panama-linked ships, highlighting how maritime tensions can spill into global trade and canal politics. Panama’s role in international shipping makes any escalation especially significant.
Panama’s construction sector has lost about 40,000 jobs since 2018, with employment and building activity still below pre-pandemic levels. Industry leaders warn that new housing costs could worsen the slowdown and further weaken mortgage demand.
Specialists are warning Panamanians to use credit cards carefully as more people rely on them to cover financial obligations. The advice includes keeping balances below 30% of the limit and paying on time.
Copa Airlines projects a 2026 network of 88 destinations in 32 countries and 420 daily flights. The expansion follows 13 new routes added over the last 18 months.
Panama is seeking to ease tensions with China after a port-related dispute led to increased inspections of Panamanian-flagged vessels. The issue puts a spotlight on the country’s trade ties and its role as a maritime hub.
Panama has allowed First Quantum Minerals to move forward with ore exports as the company expands copper plans in Argentina. The decision comes at a politically sensitive moment for the country’s mining sector.
MiBus moved 35.8 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, up from 31.6 million a year earlier. March also showed stronger demand, with more riders and more bus trips than in 2025.
Mobile casinos are becoming part of Panama’s expanding digital economy, highlighting the country’s shift toward mobile-first online services. The trend points to growing opportunities in technology, payments, and digital infrastructure.
CK Hutchison has opened arbitration in London against Maersk in a dispute involving Panama Canal ports. The case adds to wider tensions over control of strategic shipping assets in Panama.
A Hong Kong company has filed arbitration against Maersk in a dispute over Panama port control linked to the Balboa terminal. The case adds pressure to a sensitive battle over terminal management near the Panama Canal.
President José Raúl Mulino visited the Port of Balboa and stressed its operation with Panamanian workers. The move highlighted the government’s focus on protecting national interests in a strategic logistics hub.
Bladex has entered IFC’s Global Trade Finance Program to expand trade financing across Latin America and the Caribbean. The deal is designed to improve access to credit and support regional commerce.
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce reported $6.9 million in annual income and a 10% increase over the previous fiscal year. The organization credited member services, trade fairs, and arbitration activities for the result.
Panama City has launched Nexus Lab, a digital training program that will provide more than 1,000 Platzi scholarships to young people. The initiative is designed to improve job access through tech-focused skills development.
New validators have arrived in Panama, marking a new phase in the modernization of the public transportation payment system. The upgrade aims to make fare collection more efficient and advanced.
Serviestiba said operations continue without interruption at the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, with more than 2,000 workers supporting logistics activity. The move helps sustain one of Panama’s key supply chain corridors.
Copa Airlines has created more than 400 new jobs and is planning more routes as it expands its fleet in 2026. The airline expects to operate 121 aircraft by the end of the year, with 43 Boeing 737 MAX jets still pending delivery.
Panama’s president is working to ease tensions involving China, underscoring the country’s focus on stability, trade, and diplomatic balance. The move matters because Panama’s economy and the Canal depend on steady international relations.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino is working to ease tensions with China as the country balances relations with Beijing and Washington. The move highlights the canal’s strategic role in Panama’s economy and diplomacy.