Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Jet fuel prices and airfares are rising while U.S. airlines report steady bookings. Analysts warn higher fares are likely — the question is when, for how long and by how much.
Cobre Panamá is conducting cleaning and maintenance workdays in La Pintada and Donoso that have hired community members—10 in a first phase in La Pintada and 162 beneficiaries in Donoso— with plans to reach 28 hires by the end of March.
MIDA detained 1,624.62 kg of uncertified plant and animal products in February—535 kg of animal-origin items including sausages and cheese—warning travelers and importers about required health certification.
The Federal Reserve voted 11-1 to hold rates at 3.50–3.75%, citing stubborn inflation, weak labour demand and uncertainty from the Iran war, and signalled one likely cut by year-end.
A Panama-Germany Economic Meeting emphasized stronger trade alliances centered on investment, logistics and advanced manufacturing, noting German involvement in sectors like pharmaceuticals.
Energy prices are climbing as the Iran war disrupts supply, raising recession risks for the US, China and Europe and potentially impacting Panama through higher fuel and shipping costs.
A U.S. threat assessment says Beijing is unlikely to attack Taiwan in 2027, citing the high military risk and steep technological, supply-chain and investor costs of such an operation.
Panama’s Budget Commission approved a $1.2M transfer enabling the Maritime Authority to hire specialized legal counsel to review and update port concession contracts amid transparency concerns.
Panama joined Bahrain, Japan, Singapore and the UAE in a joint proposal to create a safe corridor to free about 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Gulf region, seeking a coordinated, humanitarian solution to disrupted crew changes.
Panama and Germany strengthened economic ties at a high-level meeting focused on logistics, the Panama Canal and investment opportunities, highlighting the SEM regime and existing German corporate presence.
gCaptain reports an increase in LNG shipments through the Panama Canal as shippers reroute to avoid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, raising operational and economic implications for Panama.
Iran attacked Gulf energy sites after the Pars gas field was hit, striking Qatar’s Ras Laffan and prompting missile interceptions in Saudi Arabia, pushing oil prices higher.
Acodeco has warned that a government bill mandating ethanol-blended gasoline may violate constitutional protections, harm competition and leave consumers facing equipment and warranty risks.
Panama’s Cabinet approved a decree on March 18, 2026, allowing the Ministry of Economy and Finance to seek up to $12 billion in financing to cover the State’s liquidity needs. The move gives the MEF authority to arrange funding, with details on instruments and timing to follow.
Panama is moving toward contactless electronic payments on the Metro and Metrobús, enabling bank cards and digital devices for fare payment and reducing reliance on cash.
After U.S. tariffs on “Liberation Day” in April 2025 rattled markets, Indonesia, Malaysia and Cambodia negotiated reciprocal trade agreements with Washington to lower tariffs and restore access.
Saudi Arabia has opened a Red Sea ‘Plan B’ using Yanbu to route crude around the closed Strait of Hormuz, allowing some VLCCs to avoid the chokepoint amid ongoing regional conflict.
FreshPlaza reports that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have pushed some shipping traffic toward the Panama Canal, increasing transits and raising operational and economic considerations for the waterway and Panama.
At a Panama–Germany Economic Meeting, officials and business representatives highlighted investment and logistics cooperation, noting German business activity in advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals in Panama.
Hutchison has intensified criticism of Panama in a port terminal dispute, alleging unconstitutional actions, a “radical occupation,” and improper seizure of investor documents, raising concerns about foreign investment.