Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Panama has launched land and environmental mapping for the Panama-David rail project, starting with the Panama-Divisa corridor in Phase 1. The survey will identify properties, forest areas and communities that could be affected as the megaproject advances.
Panama has opened a tender to register homes, crops and forest areas that could be affected by the first phase of the Panama-David railway. The inventory will help establish compensation and land-impact records as the project moves forward.
Panama has surfaced again in scrutiny of Cuba’s military-run GAESA conglomerate, which has used offshore structures to hide ownership and move capital. The case highlights Panama’s continuing role as a regional corporate hub and the risks that come with offshore secrecy.
Panama’s Amador Causeway remains tied up in stalled concessions, unpaid debts and legal disputes nearly 30 years after the former U.S. base reverted to the country. The unresolved situation has also raised concerns about unauthorized land filling and the loss of a major waterfront opportunity.
May 18 marks two key Panama Canal milestones: the 1904 treaty that enabled canal construction and the 2000 transfer of the canal ports to Panamanian control. Together, they reflect Panama’s long journey from foreign concession to sovereign management.
Panama City authorities closed an illegal bar in Condado del Rey after inspectors found it was operating without a business notice, liquor permits, and tax compliance. The move highlights tighter oversight of nightlife businesses in the capital.
Shakira has won a long-running tax case in Spain, with a court ordering authorities to return about €60 million. The ruling does not affect her separate 2023 conviction for tax fraud covering later years.
The Panama Canal is keeping lake levels high and maintaining 38 daily transits as it prepares for possible El Niño-related pressure later in 2026. Officials are using water-saving measures now to protect both canal operations and Panama’s drinking water supply.
A Panama-flagged vessel was damaged in a Russian strike near Odesa, part of a day in which three civilian ships were hit. The incident highlights the continuing risks to global shipping in the Black Sea.
A Spanish court has ruled in Shakira’s favor in a tax sanction case, allowing her to recover millions. The decision revives attention on how residency rules are applied to high-profile international figures.
China dominates manufacturing, but the United States still leads in global financial trust and capital protection. That distinction shapes international investment flows and matters for Panama’s trade-driven economy.
Gambling in Panama has long been part of daily culture, from lottery kiosks to football bets and casino nights. Now smartphones are pushing that habit online, changing how people play without changing the social nature of the pastime.
Maintenance work is adding to congestion at the Panama Canal, increasing delays and pushing freight costs higher. The bottleneck has wider implications for Panama’s economy and global shipping routes.
Congestion fears are rising ahead of June maintenance on the Panama Canal locks, a period that could slow transits through the country’s main trade artery. The timing matters for Panama’s logistics sector and for global shippers dependent on the canal.
El Niño is not expected to significantly restrict Panama Canal ship traffic, a reassuring sign for Panama’s trade and logistics sectors. The outlook matters because canal reliability is central to the country’s economy and global shipping routes.
President José Raúl Mulino is facing a wave of vacancies in key Panama institutions, including the Electoral Prosecutor’s Office, Idaan and the Social Security Fund. The appointments will test his government’s ability to balance expertise, political consensus and institutional continuity.
Copa Airlines’ fleet expansion has pushed Tocumen and Panama’s aviation regulator to speed up plans for a third runway and a redesigned airspace system. The airport’s growth strategy now hinges on land acquisition, road access and major infrastructure investment.
Ensa has scheduled preventive electrical maintenance from May 18 to 23, with temporary outages expected in selected sectors. Customers can check whether their NAC is affected through the utility’s interruptions page.
Grupo SUCASA has launched Baula Residences in Amador, a premium residential project built around wellness, art and sustainability. The development highlights the continued push for high-end housing in Panama City’s waterfront districts.
The Panama Canal continues to stand out as one of the country’s strongest institutions, offering a model of professional management and long-term planning. Its success has renewed debate over why other public sectors in Panama cannot operate with the same efficiency.