Coverage of Panama’s corporate world, markets, startups, and trade developments. We provide news, analysis, and practical insights for business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Panama customs has activated a new declaration rule for reexport operations, with most procedures moving online under a broader modernization push. Some items will still require manual processing.
China has increased detentions of Panama-flag vessels under port state control inspections, putting fresh focus on the country’s ship registry. The trend matters for Panama’s maritime reputation and its role in global shipping.
Emmanuel Macron used a visit to Tokyo to portray Europe as a predictable partner amid global instability. The message landed as Japan continues to face heavy exposure to Middle East oil and rising fuel costs.
The Panama Canal is seeing more ship traffic as carriers reroute around the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war. The shift highlights the canal’s role as a key alternative in global trade.
Sushiro’s rapid expansion in China has drawn massive queues and even scalpers, as solo dining gains popularity among urban consumers. The trend highlights shifting habits in one of the world’s biggest restaurant markets.
Panama is facing higher fuel costs as oil prices top $100 a barrel, prompting a temporary government cap for public transport and freight. Drivers and taxi operators are already paying more at the pump.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a special maintenance contract for Line 2 of the Metro of Panama as ridership rises sharply amid higher fuel prices and transport changes. The six-month deal with Alstom Panamá is aimed at protecting safety and service reliability.
Grupo Silaba deepened its partnership with Budget Rent a Car de Panamá by delivering a new Kia fleet, expanding the rental company’s sedan and SUV lineup. The move reflects continued growth in Panama’s corporate automotive market.
Panama’s government has set gasoline at B/.3.33 and diesel at B/.3.41 under a price freeze that will last up to 10 months. The measure is designed to bring stability to transport and household costs.
The war in Iran could affect Panama through higher oil prices, costlier imports and broader inflationary pressure. As a trade-dependent, dollar-based economy, Panama is especially exposed to global shocks.
Griff Griffitts has been named CEO of the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, taking on a key leadership role in the city’s tourism economy. His appointment puts local destination marketing and visitor growth in focus.
Panama’s logistics sector is positioned for growth, but the next step depends on better integration across air, sea, and land transport. The country’s future edge will come from reliability, multimodal coordination, and higher-value services.
Authorities seized a large quantity of suspected contraband in Bocas del Toro’s border zone. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to stop illegal trade in western Panama.
The Metro de Panamá will reinforce Line 2 maintenance with a direct contract to Alstom Panamá S.A. The move follows rising ridership and growing pressure on trains, signaling and power systems.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a $4.3 million contract with Alstom Panamá to maintain Metro Line 2 for six months. The work comes as daily ridership has recently risen to 380,000 users.
Panama’s National Assembly has advanced a bill that would make E10 fuel mandatory for 91- and 95-octane gasoline, with local bioethanol prioritized over imports. The proposal aims to support rural production and energy independence, but drivers may see efficiency and maintenance concerns.
Panama has set a price cap on 91-octane gasoline and diesel for transport operators, aiming to ease operating costs in a sector hit hard by fuel prices. The move is likely to affect fares, logistics, and broader inflation pressures.
Panama lawmakers are questioning how Fedebeis handles ticket sales and international baseball funds, including $750,000 tied to the World Baseball Classic. The dispute has intensified as provincial leagues say they are left to survive with little financial support.
Ampyme and CoNEP signed an agreement to offer mentorship for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs across Panama. The initiative also renews calls for a framework law to make entrepreneurship easier.
Panama has postponed the start of its planned ethanol blend in gasoline, which had been set for April 2026. The delay leaves the country’s current fuel mix unchanged for now.