Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Telemetro reports that Panama’s credit delinquency improved in 2026, but total indebtedness remains high at $41 billion, highlighting ongoing financial vulnerabilities.
Experts warn that continued conflict in the Middle East could push crude oil to record levels; Panama has already seen a 20% jump in 95-octane gasoline and nearly 30% rise in diesel over the past month.
The Autoridad Marítima de Panamá says Balboa and Cristóbal ports show “significant” deterioration, rejecting Panama Ports Company’s claims as it pursues arbitration at the ICC. The dispute follows a Supreme Court ruling that voided PPC’s contract.
Acodeco shifted from warning that mandatory ethanol would limit consumer choice to publicly supporting Bill 443 during its first debate, prompting lawmakers to demand an explanation.
BNamericas asked whether Panama needs a third mobile operator, reigniting debate about competition, investment and regulatory choices in the country’s telecom sector.
A historic rise in fuel prices in Panama is pressuring transport operators and consumers. Authorities say international energy market factors are driving the increase.
Panama’s president has publicly rejected CK Hutchison’s claims over canceled port contracts, calling the assertions ‘outrageous’ in a dispute that could affect investment and port operations, U.S. News reports.
Panama’s president called CK Hutchison’s claims “outrageous” after the company criticized the government’s cancellation of port contracts, Reuters reported, in a dispute with potential implications for investor confidence and port operations.
BAC has completed the purchase of a majority stake in Multi Financial Group, becoming the controlling shareholder of Multibank. The planned merger of BAC Panamá and Multibank awaits SBP authorization while both banks continue normal operations.
President Mulino has promised to disclose information he says relates to a long-running “robbery” by the Panama Ports Company, after PPC accused the government of ignoring its claims. Details and evidence have not yet been released.
March is shaping up as a pivotal month for determining the viability of the Panama–David–Border Train after Panama’s National Railway Secretariat and Costa Rica’s railway authority moved toward a regional agreement.
March has been identified as a critical month for the Panama–David–Border Train after reports that Panama’s National Railway Secretariat and the Costa Rican railway authority are moving toward signing a railway agreement. Panama’s foreign minister highlighted the project’s regional importance.
Iranian strikes on Persian Gulf oil and gas facilities, following an Israeli strike on Iran’s main gas complex, have rattled markets. The Pentagon is reportedly preparing to request up to $200 billion from Congress as fuel prices surge and President Trump seeks to reassure Americans.
The Panamanian government approved an $18.84 million transfer to the Western Tariff Fund to keep electricity rates unchanged for about 183,000 residents in Bocas del Toro.
Panama’s ETESA and the National Energy Secretariat received 71 bids in a tender for existing power plants designed to secure supply, reduce tariff volatility and require reconversion of some thermal units.
President Jose Raul Mulino on March 19 rejected accusations from CK Hutchison’s local unit over setbacks in arbitration tied to canceled port contracts, calling the claims “outrageous.”
BNamericas reports that more than 70 bids were submitted by power generators for electricity supply contracts in Panama, signaling strong competition in the tender. Authorities will now evaluate offers to determine winners and potential impacts on prices and reliability.
An investigation by a Trump administration official could keep Jerome Powell at the Federal Reserve beyond his May 15 term end, creating uncertainty over U.S. monetary leadership and potential effects on markets in Panama and Latin America.
The National Energy Secretariat announced fuel price increases effective Friday, March 20: 95-octane gasoline +20 centavos/L, 91-octane +18 centavos/L, and diesel +30 centavos/L.
The U.S. Treasury has begun taking over part of the federal student loan portfolio from the Education Department in a first step as the Trump administration moves to shrink the agency’s role.