Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
President José Raúl Mulino visited Balboa Port and discussed Panama’s upcoming port concessions, alongside the explosion reported beneath the Bridge of the Americas. The remarks highlight the government’s focus on infrastructure, logistics, and public safety.
President José Raúl Mulino visited Balboa Port to review operations and highlight labor stability in one of Panama’s key logistics hubs. The visit underscored the importance of steady port operations for workers and the national economy.
The IMA has released the sales points for its agro-fairs on Friday, April 10, with locations operating in provinces across Panama. The program aims to offer cheaper food to residents nationwide.
President José Raúl Mulino said there is no active operating contract with Maersk, clarifying that port management is under a temporary transition while the Panama Ports Company dispute goes to arbitration.
The Panama Canal has signed a new collective agreement covering salary adjustments for captains and officers. It also sets 2% annual increases for Navigation Channel Maintenance Division staff from 2029 through 2033.
Panama City has launched Nexus Lab, a free digital training platform offering more than 1,500 scholarships to help young people build tech skills and improve job prospects. The program is tied to upcoming community job fairs starting in May.
Copa Airlines plans to raise capacity by 14% in 2026, expand its fleet and routes, and create more than 2,100 direct jobs in Panama over four years. The carrier also expects to carry 20.9 million passengers next year and operate 500 daily flights by 2029.
Mobile casinos are reshaping Panama’s betting market and putting new attention on digital infrastructure, regulation, and tech-driven job creation. The trend also highlights how online entertainment is becoming part of the country’s broader economic transition.
Panama’s MEF clarified how the June CEPANIM payment works and whether not withdrawing a CEPADEM affects eligibility. Beneficiaries are being told to check the official list to confirm if they can collect.
Panama’s economy grew 4.4% in 2025, with GDP reaching B/.84.75 billion. Transportation and logistics led the expansion, accounting for 40% of growth.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama is not looking to confront China over vessels held there, but will not let the situation drag on. He linked the issue to maritime security reviews and broader impacts on global shipping.
Felipe Chapman said Panama’s Finance Ministry is willing to review Convivienda’s technical case against extending the 2% transfer tax to new homes. The housing sector warns the change could slow mortgages, cut construction activity, and reduce overall tax revenue.
Panama is moving ahead with a new approach to the Margarita port project after canceling its concession. The revised path could allow the terminal to advance before the current bidding process ends.
The Panama Canal remains a cornerstone of Panama’s economy and a critical route in global trade. Its strategic location and shipping efficiency continue to make it one of the country’s most valuable assets.
President José Raúl Mulino highlighted Panama’s economic, tourism and logistics growth, while emphasizing transparency and job creation. His remarks placed clean governance at the center of the country’s development message.
The Panama Canal has signed a new collective agreement with deck captains and officers that includes annual salary increases through 2033. The deal also adds new rest rules and compensation changes aimed at improving safety and stability.
President José Raúl Mulino addressed the explosion of tankers under the Bridge of the Americas while speaking at the CCIAP leadership swearing-in. He also referenced the operation of the Balboa and Cristóbal ports, underscoring the importance of Panama’s logistics network.
Iran’s plan to tax ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is drawing immediate pushback from other nations. The move could raise tensions in a critical global shipping lane and affect energy and freight costs worldwide.
CK Hutchison’s Panama ports unit has launched arbitration against Maersk in a dispute tied to a ports takeover. The case highlights the strategic importance of Panama’s port infrastructure and logistics sector.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama is advancing in tourism, logistics and economic growth, while urging more transparency and better management of public works. The CCIAP’s new president also outlined priorities focused on youth jobs, entrepreneurs and event tourism.