Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
A fuel truck explosion killed at least one person and forced the closure of Panama’s Bridge of the Americas while engineers assess damage. The shutdown has disrupted a key crossing over the Panama Canal.
Panama’s trade ministry has authorized First Quantum Minerals to remove material from the closed Cobre Panama mine, a new development in the dispute over the shuttered project. The decision adds another layer to the country’s ongoing debate over mining, investment, and environmental concerns.
An explosion was reported near the Panama Canal, drawing attention to one of Panama’s most sensitive and economically vital areas. The incident highlights the canal’s importance to shipping, security, and the country’s economy.
Construction firms tied to the Blue Apple bribery case continue winning major Panamanian state contracts, including emergency awards worth millions. The pattern renews scrutiny over public works procurement and accountability.
The World Bank is spotlighting child poverty in Panama through a territorial approach that examines how poverty varies by region. The analysis underscores the need for targeted policies that address deep disparities between urban and rural communities.
Panama’s labor ministry is urging employers to flexible work hours after the closure of the Bridge of the Americas disrupted commutes. The environment ministry has also allowed absences to be justified.
Panama’s tourism sector drew more than 3 million visitors in 2025 and generated $6.583 billion, but job creation and wages continued to lag behind the broader economy. The industry remains important for young workers and microenterprises, yet most of its employment is still informal or low-paid.
A deadly fire near the Bridge of the Americas disrupted one of Panama’s key road links and exposed the country’s dependence on too few crossings. The incident reignited concerns about delayed infrastructure projects and traffic vulnerability.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance warned that fake Cepanim registration guides are circulating online, saying the official enrollment process has not opened yet. The ministry will announce the legitimate registration platform through its own channels.
Ciudad del Saber is celebrating 25 years as a major Panama hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and international cooperation. The campus now hosts more than 260 organizations and generates an estimated $314 million a year in economic activity.
Business groups in Chiriquí are defending Puerto Barú as a key investment for jobs and regional growth, while urging a decision based on legal and technical grounds. They say Panama must protect legal certainty to attract foreign investment.
Panama is preparing to authorize the removal of material from First Quantum’s Cobre Panamá mine, a development tied to one of the country’s most controversial industrial assets. The move underscores the mine’s continuing importance to Panama’s economy and politics.
The Panama Canal remains central to the global balance of power as nations compete over strategic corridors, trade routes, and logistics. A comparison with the Strait of Hormuz shows why control of key nodes matters as much as military force.
Panama Canal authorities have opened the Corredor Logístico as an alternative route while the Bridge of the Americas is closed. The opened section runs between Brujas road and the Centenario Bridge.
Panama is facing renewed calls for a law to define and protect critical infrastructure, strategic assets, and private property used for public services. The debate focuses on balancing national security, legal certainty, and investment conditions.
A tanker truck explosion forced the closure of a bridge over the Panama Canal, disrupting a key transportation link in the capital area. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure around the canal corridor.
Mitradel urged employers in Panama to use telework and flexible schedules after a fire under the Bridge of the Americas disrupted commuting between the capital and Panama Oeste. President José Raúl Mulino also warned that April 7 would be a difficult day for workers affected by the closures.
Panama’s Maritime Authority suspended POTSA’s concession after a fire under the Bridge of the Americas killed one person, injured two, and shut down the Balboa terminal. Operations will remain halted while prosecutors investigate the incident.
The Panama Maritime Authority suspended a port concession after a fire incident near the Bridge of the Americas and halted operations at the facility. Officials stressed a zero-tolerance stance on safety in port environments.
An explosion and fire near the Panama Canal entrance have raised concerns about safety and maritime disruption at one of the world’s most important trade routes. Shipping operators are watching the situation closely as the canal’s strategic role puts any nearby incident under immediate scrutiny.