Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Panama expects first-phase feasibility results for the Panama–David rail project by March 31. A newly signed memorandum with Costa Rica aims to create a regional railway logistics corridor linking Panama City to Paso Canoas.
Telemetro reports gasoline prices in Panama on March 19: 95-octane at 0.95 centavos/liter and 91-octane at 0.89 centavos/liter. No confirmed new rates for March 20 were published.
President José Raúl Mulino rejected accusations by a local unit of Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison over arbitration setbacks tied to canceled port contracts, calling the claims “outrageous.”
A UPI analysis published March 19, 2026 examines how the cost of capital shapes infrastructure choices in Panama and Paraguay, and outlines implications for project selection and financing.
Reuters reports that U.S. crude is being routed more often through the Panama Canal to Asia as the Iran crisis reshapes trade flows, underscoring the canal’s key role in global energy logistics.
Singapore energy firm Sinolam has filed an arbitration request against Panama under the Panama–Singapore Free Trade Agreement, the company said. Details on claims and forum remain limited.
Gas prices rose after Israel struck Iran’s main gas field and Iran retaliated by attacking Qatari gas facilities, raising concerns about supply disruptions and market volatility.
Military strikes on infrastructure in Qatar and Iran pushed European gas prices above C70/MWh and sent oil markets higher, reviving concerns about dependence on volatile global supplies.
China offered to strengthen energy cooperation with Southeast Asian countries as the Middle East war disrupts global oil and gas supplies, urging an end to hostilities.
As the US-Israel war on Iran enters its third week and strikes hit energy facilities, analysts warn an Iran-driven oil shock could push prices above US$120 and unsettle global markets.
Al Jazeera reports that the Iran war is disrupting global supply chains — hitting factories, transport and supermarket shelves — with possible knock-on effects for Panama and Latin America.
Strikes on energy facilities in the Middle East lifted Brent crude above $113 a barrel, triggering recession fears among investors worried that prolonged supply disruptions will keep oil prices elevated.
Thousands of Filipino jeepney drivers protested after local diesel prices more than doubled amid a global oil surge linked to the US-Israel war on Iran. Drivers say fuel costs are erasing their incomes.
The China-Global South Project published an analysis titled “The Panama Model: How Weak Institutions Become Weapons in the U.S.-China Competition,” highlighting concerns about how governance gaps can be leveraged amid great-power rivalry affecting Panama.
Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission will soon inspect investment banks that sponsor IPOs to check compliance with a January circular on staffing and quality controls amid a busy listing market.
FreshFruitPortal reports Chiquita has launched a pilot involving 17 banana plants in Panama, signaling a tentative operational return that could affect the country’s banana sector. Observers await further details on scope and partnerships.
Shanghai certified 30 overseas-funded regional headquarters and 15 R&D centres in a ceremony led by Mayor Gong Zheng, signalling ongoing corporate interest despite a national decline in FDI.
EU experts have arrived in Ukraine to assess the damaged Druzhba oil pipeline after its January closure sparked a row that led Hungary to block an EU loan to Kyiv. Ukraine accepted EU technical support and funding to restore flows.
CK Hutchison has pledged to pursue all legal remedies after Panamanian authorities seized two Panama Canal ports, the company and its subsidiary PPC said. Details on the seizure and next steps remain limited.
CK Hutchison says it will pursue “all legal remedies” after authorities seized two Panama Canal ports operated by the conglomerate and its subsidiary PPC, a move that could affect trade and investor confidence.