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 is legally challenging a Panamanian Supreme Court ruling that stripped the company’s rights over ports at each end of the Panama Canal, raising questions about trade, investment and port operations.
Sinolam International has initiated ICSID arbitration against Panama after the government cancelled a licence for a major gas-fired power project, raising questions about regulatory stability in the energy sector.
An EIN Presswire analysis compares Panama and Paraguay to show how the Panama Canal and financing models have helped make infrastructure borrowing more manageable in Panama.
An EIN Presswire analysis contrasts Panama and Paraguay to show how the Panama Canal’s stabilizing role can lower financing costs and boost long-term infrastructure investment appeal.
GLP forecasts up to a 50% rise in China logistics rental rates, citing stronger domestic consumption and wider adoption of alternative energies; CEO Angela Zhao pointed to the 2026–2030 five-year plan.
Investment-bank research says the Iran war’s disruption of Gulf oil flows is exposing Asia’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, with China reportedly faring better than other major Asian importers.
China’s urban youth unemployment rate for 16-to-24-year-olds (excluding students) fell to 16.1% in February, down from 16.3% in January, marking a sixth consecutive monthly decline.
Chinese regulators urged EV makers to stop aggressive discounting and focus on innovation amid cooling demand and the phase-out of subsidies, after a March 17 policy meeting.
Panama has reclaimed Panama Canal terminals previously operated by CK Hutchison, a move that could reshape regional port operations, logistics and concession policy.
A COSCO Ports unit warned that the Abu Dhabi war could affect its operations and vowed to expand globally, while referencing a “CK Hutchison saga in Panama” without providing further detail.
Reuters reports that Asian refiners are routing more medium-sized U.S. crude cargoes through the Panama Canal amid an Iran-related crisis, increasing transits and economic opportunities for Panama while raising operational considerations.
Sinolam International has initiated arbitration before a World Bank international tribunal after Panama cancelled the company’s licence for a gas-fired project, raising potential investor-state implications for the country’s energy sector.
Anutin Charnvirakul secured the Thai premiership after a parliamentary vote as the conservative bloc prevailed. His new government faces immediate economic strain from the US-Israeli war on Iran, which is driving costly fuel subsidies and petrol queues.
Panama and Costa Rica signed an MOU on March 18 to cooperate on rail development centered on the Panama–David line, aiming to align standards, share technical expertise and boost regional logistics.
The UN’s FAO warns a prolonged Middle East conflict could push up fertiliser and food prices, with risks to spring planting if disruptions last beyond three months; that could affect Panama and Latin America through global market links.
Chiquita has begun limited banana production trials in Panama as part of efforts to restore supply after a prolonged 2025 labor strike. The tests are an early step toward resuming fuller operations.
La Puerca del Neri, a fair organized by local producers and the Alcaldía de Panamá, sold affordable bags of fruits and vegetables in Panama City, boosting access to fresh produce and supporting local sellers.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works met with Río Abajo merchants and announced a postponement of planned evictions tied to the Vía España expansion, presenting proposed adjustments for the area.
Fishermen in Coclé say recent fuel price increases will raise operating costs, potentially forcing fewer trips, higher consumer prices, and strained fishing incomes.
Panama’s National Energy Secretariat announced a significant gasoline price increase of roughly 30 cents in a Friday update, listing new prices for Panama and Colón and mentioning 95-octane fuel.