Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
A South China Morning Post analysis says Asia remains exposed to global shocks for a second year, warning that external trade dependencies still dim the region’s outlook despite recent policy shifts.
A Roland Berger executive warned that while China may be relatively resilient to direct shocks from the US-Israel war on Iran, it remains vulnerable to a prolonged regional demand shock that could weaken its economy.
Credendo says a Panama Supreme Court ruling against a Hong Kong-based firm has raised concerns about expropriation risk, highlighting how legal decisions can reshape investor perceptions in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
China is releasing fertiliser reserves and likely extending export curbs to protect spring planting after the US-Israel war on Iran disrupted imports of key raw materials, a move that could ripple through global fertiliser markets.
Most casualties in Iran’s Gulf missile attacks have been South Asian nationals, leaving families and remittance-dependent economies facing loss, uncertainty and potential economic strain.
Rising gasoline prices tied to the Middle East crisis are affecting Panama, increasing costs for transport and food and prompting local drivers and families to adjust.
Brent crude rose above $104 a barrel after Iran denied talks with the U.S., dimming hopes for de‑escalation in the US‑Israel war on Iran and pushing oil prices higher.
Ifarhu says the first PASE-U 2026 payment is delayed while it waits for Meduca’s official student registry and completes beneficiary database updates. The agency is also rolling out ACH bank transfers to speed future disbursements.
A proposal to charge transit passengers at Tocumen could undermine Panama’s hub status, risk airline routes and revenues, and may be avoidable through smarter commercial strategies.
Semana Santa in San Felipe has strengthened Casco Antiguo’s international tourism potential, but rising visitor numbers expose gaps in heritage protection, mobility and security that require integrated state action.
Rising global oil prices are driving up fuel costs in Panama, prompting higher state subsidies and adding strain to public finances as debt exceeded $60.05 billion, warns Finance Minister Felipe Chapman.
Panama’s Casco Antiguo is set to host over 300,000 visitors for Semana Santa, with organizers forecasting more than $6 million in economic impact and extensive transport and security measures.
The Panama City Council approved a measure to charge for parking at Cinta Costera 3; tariffs will be published after the measure appears in the Gaceta Oficial, amid jurisdictional questions with the MOP.
State-subsidized preferential-interest mortgages and mortgage-backed loan products like Banco General’s CasaCash are helping Panamanians access homeownership and liquidity while underscoring the need for informed financial choices.
Tourism associations are opposing draft Law 131, which would impose a $10 transit fee at Tocumen International Airport, warning it could harm Panama’s role as a regional travel hub.
Panama rice producers warn that higher input and fuel costs make a price increase for rice inevitable, a move that could raise food costs for households.
Panama’s government announced measures to address a fuel price rise, prompting calls from specialists for subsidies for agriculture and transport to limit impacts on producers and consumers.
Panama’s Bill 443, mandating a 10% bioethanol blend in gasoline, has drawn support from producers and criticism from deputies who say the first debate lacked adequate information and questioned its obligatoriness.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat has suspended the April 1, 2026 start date for mandatory anhydrous bioethanol blends, citing technical, regulatory and market shortcomings. Authorities will set a new timeline after further evaluations and pending legislation.
Panama’s government and transport unions agreed not to raise fares while they develop temporary measures to ease the impact of rising international fuel prices; the MEF will run scenarios using sector data before April 1.