Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Panama is moving toward broader digital payments, but cash still dominates many everyday transactions because merchant acceptance remains uneven. The shift will depend on whether businesses adopt the tools customers are already ready to use.
Panama’s middle class is feeling the strain of high living costs, weak wage growth, and slower job creation. The debate now centers on how to restore mobility through better jobs, education, and productivity.
Panama has launched the process to build a gas pipeline along the Canal, a project expected to create thousands of jobs and bring major revenue. The plan is part of a broader energy corridor strategy aimed at diversifying Canal income and expanding the country’s logistics role.
Panama is being positioned as a possible regional hub for data and AI services tied to Latin America’s critical minerals boom. The proposal hinges on connectivity, digital incentives, and workforce training.
Panama’s debate over extinción de dominio is intensifying as regional cases highlight how asset forfeiture can weaken organized crime. The key question is whether Panama will adopt a model that protects due process while helping authorities recover illicit wealth.
Panama will invest more than B/.6 million in tourism-related projects, including maintenance for Atlapa, a Bocas del Toro trail and the Chitré Convention Center. The spending aims to support travel, events and local economic activity across multiple regions.
Bolivia is confronting a broad protest wave fueled by land reform, inflation, fuel prices and constitutional change. The unrest has disrupted transport, supplies and public services, while increasing pressure on President Rodrigo Paz.
A Panamanian court reduced the sentences of two former Financial Pacific executives in the fraud case tied to Caye International Bank, while keeping the same penalties for two others. The ruling remains open to appeal before the Supreme Court.
Thousands of protesters marched in La Paz demanding Bolivia’s president resign as the country faces its worst economic crisis in 40 years. The unrest is sharpening political pressure and raising regional concerns about stability.
Unachi professors have declared maximum alert over alleged failures to transfer payroll deductions to banks and other creditors. They are demanding a full accounting from university authorities and warning of legal and labor actions.
Panama’s fiscal lottery has completed its first regional draw, with the next one set for May 21 at Westland Mall for Region 2. The campaign aims to boost invoice requests and strengthen tax compliance nationwide.
Panama City has approved temporary late-night hours for eligible restaurants during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, aiming to boost tourism, sales and nightlife activity. The permit runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with a B/.500 fee and QR-coded certification for enforcement.
Panama is working to win back EU confidence in its fishing sector ahead of a new audit expected this year. Officials say stronger monitoring, traceability and fleet controls could pave the way to a green card and wider seafood access in Europe.
The Panama Canal is bracing for possible water shortages as NOAA forecasts a 98% chance of El Niño. The climate shift could affect canal operations, which depend on freshwater reserves in Panama’s watershed.
Google is redesigning Search with Gemini 3.5 Flash, introducing a more conversational, multimodal interface that will roll out globally where AI Mode is available. The shift could affect how people in Panama search, shop and find information online.
Hyundai’s use of an ocean-to-ocean rail route highlights growing competition for cargo that might otherwise move through the Panama Canal. For Panama, the trend underscores why the canal must keep adapting to changing global shipping patterns.
Fitch Ratings has upgraded Banesco Panamá to A+ (pan) with a stable outlook, the bank’s highest national rating to date. The move reflects stronger financial performance, liquidity, and funding stability as the lender marks 19 years in Panama.
Beef prices in Panama have climbed to the point where many families now treat red meat as a luxury. Rising production costs, supply-chain markups, and limited price controls are pushing shoppers toward cheaper proteins.
Panama’s Assembly has restarted debate on a bill to tighten tax substance rules for foreign income, as business leaders urge lawmakers to act. Apede says the reform is key to improving Panama’s reputation and reducing international risk.
Unachi workers say payroll deductions for loans were withheld from their salaries but never sent to banks, leaving them exposed to debt problems and credit damage. The case adds to scrutiny over the university’s finances and management.