Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Panama’s magistrates continue to receive 100 gallons of free gasoline a month under the Judicial Code, even as fuel prices rise across the country. The benefit has drawn attention amid government efforts to control spending and cushion transport costs.
Digital delivery work in Panama is drawing closer scrutiny as couriers face algorithmic control, unstable pay, and no clear labor protections. The debate is now centered on whether platform riders should be treated as employees or independent contractors.
Repeated failures at the Chilibre plant have exposed Panama City’s heavy dependence on a single water source. The outages have affected more than 1.5 million people and renewed calls for a more resilient system.
Panama is aging rapidly, according to a new study that warns Latin America will have a much older population within two decades. The trend could reshape health care, pensions, and economic planning in the country.
Luis “Lucho” Moreno Tejeira is being remembered in Panama as a civic leader, banker, and public servant whose life blended resilience, discipline, and service. His legacy spans education, business, diplomacy, and Rotary work.
A proposal to return government offices to central Colón is being framed as a low-cost way to boost foot traffic, commerce and safety. The idea also includes reusing abandoned buildings to bring life back to the city center.
Panama industrial leaders are raising concerns about the effects of higher global fuel prices on production, transport, and operating costs. The pressure could ripple through supply chains and influence prices across the economy.
Transport operators and fishermen in Panama are seeking clearer government guidance on how the fuel subsidy is being applied. The uncertainty is creating concern in two sectors that rely heavily on fuel to operate.
Panama’s labor minister said irregularities were found during an inspection at the Fourth Bridge project and also addressed a strike by delivery couriers. Her comments highlight growing labor scrutiny in both public works and platform-based jobs.
U.S. oil shipments through the Panama Canal have climbed to nearly a four-year high, signaling stronger use of the waterway for energy trade. The increase underscores the canal’s continued importance in global shipping and Panama’s transit economy.
Cargo transport operators in Panama say they are having trouble accessing the fuel subsidy through the new digital platform. They warn the problem could raise costs and disrupt logistics.
Donald Trump thanked Gulf states after Iran fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over a key global oil chokepoint. The move matters for energy markets, shipping and trade stability worldwide.
Panama’s Labour Ministry says delivery riders for digital platforms are not formal workers, intensifying debate over labour protections during a strike. The dispute is putting pressure on the country’s rules for the growing gig economy.
Panama’s Labor Ministry has given the contractor for the Fourth Bridge 10 days to respond after labor complaints and concerns over workplace conditions. The move puts a major national infrastructure project under closer scrutiny.
Panama’s Labor Ministry says PedidosYa riders are not formal employees under current law as a strike continues to affect thousands of workers and businesses. The government is open to dialogue, but says any future regulation must prioritize Panamanian labor.
US oil shipments through the Panama Canal climbed to a near four-year high, reflecting the waterway’s importance in global energy trade. The increase underscores Panama’s continued role as a key transit point between the Atlantic and Pacific.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to hold as Lebanon cautiously celebrated the end of weeks of fighting. Iran also said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, a move with global shipping and energy implications.
President José Raúl Mulino is pushing tax code changes as Panama seeks removal from the European Union’s tax watchlist. The effort could affect the country’s financial reputation and investor confidence.
Panama’s Labor Ministry will sanction the Fourth Bridge consortium after an inspection found inhumane conditions, labor segregation, and irregular foreign workers. The ministry also halted new foreign hiring for the project.
Panama is widening fuel subsidies to include food transporters and fishermen, along with workers connected to Merca Panamá and related entities. The move aims to reduce fuel costs in key parts of the country’s food supply chain.