Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Shipping disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz are driving up freight, energy and raw-material costs, prompting some Chinese factories to cut production and suspend exports, including to Iran.
Surging fuel costs linked to the Iran war are straining budgets in developing economies from Pakistan to Egypt, raising import bills, transport costs and inflationary pressure across the Global South.
A proposed $10 transit charge at Tocumen, reintroduced by deputy Benicio Robinson González as draft No. 131, promises revenue for hospitals and airports but draws opposition over potential harm to Panama’s hub competitiveness.
Diesel price spikes in March — to $1.21 per liter — are increasing freight operating costs in Panama, prompting contract adjustments and warning of higher consumer prices.
La Prensa’s Tal Cual reports deputies urged virtual work over fuel costs, Alexandra Brenes presented the Inamu bill, officials were named for leaving money at the Assembly, and PPC expanded arbitration claims beyond $2,000 million.
The ILO has placed Panama on a list of 24 countries cited for serious breaches of union rights, spotlighting gaps between the country’s international commitments and domestic labour practices and raising concerns about reputation and investment climate.
Higher fuel costs are squeezing freight operators moving produce from Tierras Altas in Chiriquí to Merca Panamá, prompting carriers to consider raising rates soon.
A constitutional challenge alleges Law 513’s $450 internship stipend and provisions undermine Panama’s social security, minimum wage and equal-pay protections; the CSJ will decide.
An op‑ed warns that low trust—measured by corruption perception and public confidence—raises Panama’s borrowing and operating costs, filtering out patient investment and inflating prices.
Camtur rejected draft bill No. 131 proposing a transit passenger fee at Tocumen, warning it would hurt Panama’s competitiveness as an air hub and impact tourism-linked industries.
La Prensa warns a draft proposal to charge transit passengers at Tocumen could damage Panama’s aviation hub, risking rerouted flights, lost connectivity and investor uncertainty.
A CK Hutchison unit says its international arbitration claim against Panama has risen above US$2 billion after Panama cancelled port concessions and PPC accused authorities of seizing property.
A March 25 report found foreigners working without required permits in several Panamanian provinces, prompting authorities to remind employers of harms to the Panamanian workforce.
CADE 2026 will be held next Tuesday in Boquete, Chiriquí, and will include discussion of Panama’s possible accession to the OCDE. The conference could shape debate on reforms tied to membership.
CADE 2026 will be held April 22–24, with the conference’s main focus on Panama’s possible accession to the OECD and its implications for policy and investment.
The Herald Journal feed published an item titled “Panama Canal” with no further details. This note outlines the lack of specifics and provides context on why the canal is important to Panama.
A unit of Hutchison Ports has increased an arbitration claim in Panama to over $2 billion after describing a port takeover as “unlawful.” The report provided limited operational or legal detail.
An opinion in La Prensa warns that Panama’s limited public debate and weak policy framework on AI, IoT and Industry 4.0 is driving talent abroad and urges urgent state-level reforms to retain specialists.
Panama’s Budget Commission approved $5.015M to hire Eversheds Sutherland and Wordstone to defend the state in separate mining arbitrations brought by Petaquilla and Orla.
A Hutchison Ports unit has filed an arbitration claim exceeding $2 billion after describing a takeover of its Panama port concession as “unlawful,” raising stakes for the country’s port sector and investors.