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 authorized Minera Panamá to process exposed material at Cobre Panamá under strict limits that bar new mining activity. The plan could generate royalties, jobs and supplier spending while officials monitor environmental safeguards.
CK Hutchison’s unit has launched arbitration against Maersk over a port dispute in Panama involving a long-term contract and invalidated concession. The case adds fresh uncertainty around strategic port operations tied to the country’s trade network.
Panama has accused China of retaliating after a canal-related move that removed it from an operation tied to the strategic waterway. The dispute adds pressure to Panama’s efforts to protect canal operations and its role in global shipping.
The Panama Canal’s toll system is drawing fresh attention as Iran’s push for a fee in the Strait of Hormuz sparks debate over the economics of strategic waterways. The comparison highlights Panama’s continuing role in global trade and maritime finance.
Panama has finalized the annulment of a port concession, setting up a likely arbitration dispute over compensation. The case raises broader questions about control of strategic infrastructure and investor confidence.
Panama and Paraguay agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, security, agriculture and culture after a meeting between their foreign ministers. Paraguay also backed Panama’s bid to become an Associate State of Mercosur.
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.
Gulf Arab states are watching US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan with concern, fearing any outcome could reshape regional security and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks come as the GCC has little leverage after a UN push for defensive measures was blocked by China and Russia.
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.
President José Raúl Mulino toured the Balboa port as Panama’s transition from PPC to APM Terminals continued under temporary administration. The visit came amid arbitration by PPC against Maersk and growing scrutiny of the former concession’s management.
Panama is remembering Luis H. Moreno, whose career at Banco Nacional reflected a post-dictatorship commitment to transparency and accountability. His legacy is now part of a wider debate about ethics and public trust.
Panama investigators believe a spark and fuel vapors likely triggered the deadly fire under the Bridge of the Americas. Officials are now reviewing the old tank site, the bridge structure and broader fuel-storage safety concerns.
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’s territorial planning is emerging as a key condition for orderly urban growth, stronger investment, and better logistics integration. The Panama-Colón corridor stands out as a strategic area where coordinated municipal planning could shape the country’s future.
Río Indio is back at the center of Panama’s canal water strategy as drought, El Niño and growing demand increase pressure on Gatún Lake. The planned reservoir could support both canal operations and metropolitan water supply for decades.
Marañón cultivation has returned in Coclé after a fungus caused shortages in Panama. The recovery signals progress for farmers and local supply.
Panama has become the first Latin American country to regulate paid internships, but President José Raúl Mulino’s veto of a vocational guidance bill has exposed a gap in how young people are steered toward careers. The debate now centers on whether schools, universities, and the state will take shared responsibility for that transition.
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.