Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
CK Hutchison says it will use a substantial cash reserve as profits weaken while contesting a Panamanian Supreme Court matter tied to ports at each end of the Panama Canal; port sale talks and geopolitical pressures continue.
IFARHU will promote ACH transfers and reduce check use for PASE-U 2026 payments, and says the first payment for student tuition is under evaluation.
Panama’s Foreign Ministry said it strengthened ties with Uruguay after the sixth Political Consultation Mechanism meeting, where the prospect of entry to MERCOSUR was highlighted.
Transport operators in Panama Oeste will raise fares by 20–50 centavos from March 23, citing higher fuel costs. The change may increase daily expenses for commuters.
At China’s two sessions, NPC spokesperson Lou Qinjian referenced the grassroots Suchao (Su Super League) as part of a broader push to boost domestic consumption, suggesting policymakers may lean on cultural and sports events to drive spending.
The Panama Canal is operating at full capacity after a rise in LNG vessel transits tied to the war involving Iran, the canal’s chief said, increasing pressure on scheduling and operations.
Acodeco is investigating Panamanian gas stations for allegedly denying gasoline without justification, a practice labeled “juega vivo.” Stations could face fines up to $25,000.
The Panama Canal is operating at top capacity as increased LNG vessel traffic, linked to the conflict involving Iran, puts pressure on transit scheduling and operations, U.S. News reports.
Reuters reports the Panama Canal is operating at top capacity as increased LNG vessel traffic — linked to the Iran war — places new pressure on the vital waterway, the canal chief said.
Telemetro reports MiBus spends over B/.1 million monthly on diesel and has implemented measures in response; details on the actions and any fare effects were not disclosed.
COSCO has stopped calling at Panama’s Port of Balboa, EIN Presswire reports, marking a new escalation in an ongoing port dispute that could affect regional shipping and Panama’s maritime economy.
The ATTT said it will not raise public transport fares despite higher fuel costs and is evaluating various mechanisms to mitigate economic impacts on the transport sector.
Former Panama Canal administrator Jorge Luis Quijano urged evaluating cost-saving alternatives to address price rises linked to higher oil costs, prompting a broader discussion on economic resilience in Panama.
The Commerce Committee of Panama’s National Assembly confirmed the first debate on a bill to mandate bioethanol in fuel for Tuesday, March 24, 2026. The discussion could shape future energy, agricultural and consumer impacts as the measure moves through the legislature.
Drivers of buses, articulated vehicles and taxis in Panama have voiced concern over rising diesel prices, warning of pressure on operators and potential impacts for commuters.
Acodeco inspected 77 fuel stations and found three engaging in unjustified fuel withholding, underscoring ongoing regulatory oversight of Panama’s fuel market.
Apede will host Foro Económico 2026 on March 25 to discuss key challenges to Panama’s economy and growth, a moment its president Giulia de Sanctis called especially important for regional analysis.
Merchants at Merca Panamá say market prices remain stable despite higher fuel costs, but warn that rising freight expenses could push up prices in the coming days.
MiBus announced service reductions on some Metrobus routes due to higher fuel prices but said it will not raise fares for now, MiBus general manager Carlos Sánchez said.
Panama’s president sanctioned Law 513 establishing paid internships with a $450 monthly subsidy for 18–25-year-olds, limits on placements, a one-year internship cap and fines for misuse.