Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Panama City won the top UCCI 2026 innovation award for its NEXUS employment initiative, which focuses on digital training and youth opportunity. The project will also be showcased at IFEMA Madrid 2026 for greater international exposure.
Panama’s railway concession is under renewed scrutiny after Maersk took control of the Panama-Colón line, raising questions about state benefits and oversight. The deal has revived debate over how strategic logistics assets should serve Panama’s public interest.
A crossing of the Panama Canal offers a clear look at how global supply chains depend on narrow trade chokepoints. The canal’s role in linking oceans makes it vital to shipping, costs, and delivery timelines worldwide.
A Panama Canal auction has set a new record with a $4 million bid, highlighting the canal’s continuing commercial importance. The result points to strong demand tied to one of the world’s most vital trade routes.
Panama’s government defended the rise in the public payroll, saying new schools, hospitals, and security staffing explain the increase. Official figures show the number of state workers and monthly salary spending have continued to climb under President José Raúl Mulino.
Panama’s Ministry of Public Works is moving ahead with a $10 million plan to widen and rehabilitate the José Agustín Arango road between Cerro Azul and Pacora. The project targets congestion, safety and drainage problems in one of eastern Panama City’s busiest commuter corridors.
A 23-acre farmland parcel in Penonomé, Coclé Province, has been reduced to $229,000. The property offers river access, road frontage, natural springs, and proximity to town, beaches, and the Río Hato airport.
The UN has adopted a resolution backing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring concern over a key global shipping chokepoint. The decision matters for energy security, trade routes and import costs far beyond the Middle East.
Xi is expected to press Trump on Taiwan and tariffs in a summit that could influence U.S.-China relations and global trade stability. The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions over security, trade, and regional influence.
Trump’s trip to Beijing for talks with Xi Jinping comes as the Iran war intensifies fears of wider instability in the Gulf. The outcome could affect global energy markets and trade routes with knock-on effects for Panama and Latin America.
The Panama Canal Authority says prices have not increased and congestion is not the issue, even as a slot auction set a record $4 million bid. The result highlights how valuable priority access to the canal remains for global shipping.
Maritime lawyers are urging Panama to exclude ship-owning companies from the proposed economic substance reform, warning it could drive vessels to other registries. Business groups say the law must balance transparency, competitiveness and international compliance.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance has set a formula to calculate Cepanim payments, basing each certificate on work history, contributions, and interest. Beneficiaries may receive up to four certificates depending on the years they cotized.
Panama’s vaccine innovation center in Clayton is more than 80% equipped and preparing to begin operations in June. The project aims to boost regional biotech capacity and strengthen health sovereignty after lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Panama’s billeteros are warning that lottery libretas withdrawn over alleged political ties may be returning to the same circles. The Lotería Nacional says the files are being corrected and denies political influence.
Higher fuel prices are driving more Panamanians to the Metro de Panamá and MiBus, pushing ridership to new highs and forcing operational changes. Both systems are expanding efforts to manage crowding as demand keeps rising.
Panamanian families are feeling squeezed by rising food, transport, and service costs that are outpacing wages. Many households are turning to credit cards and loans just to cover monthly essentials.
Panama’s pension deadline on August 18, 2026 is pushing workers to choose among systems with very different rules and benefit calculations. The biggest concern is the lack of clarity over how the new solidarity-guaranteed pension will be applied in practice.
Panama’s Assembly Committee on Economy and Finance is reviewing Bill 641, which would amend the Fiscal Code and add economic substance requirements for certain foreign passive income. The proposal is part of a broader tax policy discussion with implications for business structures and compliance.
Panama’s first regional tax lottery will stop accepting invoice envelopes on May 15. Only receipts issued between March 15 and May 15 qualify for entry.