Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
President Trump is seeking a $1.5 trillion defense budget as wars in Iran and Ukraine keep global tensions high. The announcement comes alongside strong U.S. jobs growth and rising energy prices.
Marco Rubio said China’s detention of Panama-flagged ships undermines supply chains, spotlighting Panama’s central role in global shipping. The comments add to concerns over trade disruptions and maritime stability.
Panama’s environmental value is gaining fresh attention as the country’s forests, waterways, and biodiversity become part of its economic story. The shift highlights how sustainability is increasingly tied to Panama’s global standing.
China accused the United States of seeking control over the Panama Canal after Washington raised concerns about Panamanian vessels. The exchange adds fresh tension around a vital route that remains central to Panama’s sovereignty and global trade.
Panama City’s Mercado de Mariscos will operate partially on Monday as the municipality carries out a deep cleaning campaign. City Hall says the move is meant to reinforce food safety and sanitation standards.
Panama’s municipalities say they are being shortchanged by as much as $115 million a year in property tax transfers, intensifying the debate over decentralization. Local leaders want the law changed so all IBI revenue reaches towns and districts in full.
Peru voiced support for Panama’s push to strengthen safe maritime transport and uphold responsible maritime practice. The move highlights Panama’s continued importance as a major flag state and regional shipping hub.
China has rejected U.S. claims of delays on Panamanian ships and accused Washington of trying to control the Panama Canal. The dispute reflects rising pressure on Panama’s strategic shipping and port infrastructure.
An attack on the UAE’s Habshan gas facility killed at least one person after air defenses intercepted the threat, causing fires and significant damage. The incident raises fresh concerns about energy security in the Gulf.
Trump is seeking a massive US$1.5 trillion U.S. defense budget, a 44% increase tied to the country’s war in Iran and broader military priorities. The plan is expected to spark a major battle in Congress over spending and U.S. foreign policy.
MIDES removed 450 beneficiaries from the 120 a los 65 program after a records cross-check found transport benefits or vehicle ownership. The move highlights stricter eligibility controls in Panama’s social assistance system.
ENSA has announced planned power outages in Panama from April 2 to April 4 during Semana Santa. The maintenance work will affect specific areas at scheduled times, requiring residents and businesses to prepare in advance.
A French-operated container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the first known commercial transits since war in Iran shut the key waterway. The crossings could signal a cautious reopening of a route vital to global energy and trade flows.
Vessels linked to France, Oman and Japan transited the Strait of Hormuz as regional tensions remain high. The French-owned ship’s passage was the first since the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran began.
Panama-flagged vessels saw a sharp rise in detentions at Chinese ports in March, standing out from earlier months of the year. The trend has raised questions about possible port scrutiny and its implications for Panama’s global ship registry.
Marco Rubio accused China of harassing Panama-flagged ships, drawing Panama into another dispute tied to global shipping and maritime security. The allegation highlights the country’s strategic role in international trade through its flag registry and the Panama Canal.
Marco Rubio said China’s detention of Panama-flagged ships is undermining supply chains, as nearly three in four vessels held in Chinese ports in March were registered to Panama. The case highlights Panama’s outsized role in global shipping.
Panama-flagged ships accounted for most March detentions in Chinese ports, according to the Tokyo MOU, marking a sharp jump from January and February. The surge has raised concerns about possible commercial and political pressure on Panama’s shipping sector.
Ten years after the Panama Papers leak, Panama remains central to global debates over offshore finance, transparency, and financial reform. The scandal reshaped how governments and regulators view secrecy in international business.
Panama is facing renewed attention over China’s growing assertiveness, highlighting the country’s strategic role around the Panama Canal and in regional geopolitics. The issue underscores the balance between foreign investment, sovereignty, and global influence.