Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Felipe Chapman said Panama’s lower country-risk profile could save the state about $400 million a year and eventually lead to cheaper credit for businesses and families. He also defended a reform on economic substance for multinational companies operating in the country.
The Panama Canal is promoting a gas pipeline and new port projects as global energy trade shifts and demand for shipping capacity grows. Officials say the plan could strengthen Panama’s role in moving propane, ethane and butane between the Atlantic and Pacific.
Panama is under pressure to reform a broad system of tax breaks and subsidies as debt, unemployment and weak investment weigh on the economy. The call is for incentives with stricter rules, audits and expiration dates.
Panama recorded fewer births in 2025 than in 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Census. Experts say the decline reflects broader demographic changes affecting the country.
Taxpayer complaints are mounting over long delays at Panama’s DGI, where refunds and tribunal-backed cases can remain unresolved for months. The criticism centers on a system seen as fast to collect but slow to respond.
Costa Rica’s new president, Laura Fernández, said she plans to propose working groups with Panama’s José Raúl Mulino to address a WTO trade dispute. She also spoke about being the second woman to lead Costa Rica and the environmental crisis in Crucitas.
Minister Felipe Chapman defended Panama’s economic substance bill and said it would bring benefits once approved in the Assembly’s extraordinary sessions. The proposal is part of the government’s effort to strengthen transparency and Panama’s business reputation.
U.S. and Panamanian partners held an aviation outreach event in Panama to encourage young people to explore careers in aviation and related fields. The effort highlighted aviation’s importance to the country’s economy and regional connectivity.
Panama won a legal dispute with Banesco over claims tied to public works bonds, a ruling that could affect investor confidence in public finance cases. The decision reinforces the importance of legal clarity in infrastructure funding.
Panama’s tourism businesses are using Instagram to promote the country’s beaches, forests, islands, and cultural experiences to global travelers. The shift is helping operators reach audiences directly with visual content that can influence booking decisions.
Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could increase interest in the Panama Canal as shipping companies look for safer and more reliable routes. For Panama, any rerouting of global trade may strengthen the canal’s strategic and economic importance.
President José Raúl Mulino met with King Felipe VI of Spain to discuss trade, investment, and cooperation. The talks also highlighted Panama’s efforts to stabilize public finances and strengthen investor confidence.
U.S. strikes on Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz have deepened tensions just as diplomatic efforts to end the war face a critical test. The escalation could ripple through global shipping and energy markets, with possible effects for Panama and Latin America.
The Pentagon has released footage showing U.S. strikes on two Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in a vital global shipping lane. The incident could reverberate through energy markets and maritime trade, including routes that matter to Panama.
The National Lottery of Panama released the Gordito del Zodiaco results for May 8, 2026. The draw remains a popular fixture in Panama’s lottery culture.
The United States has disabled two more Iranian tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying tensions in a vital global shipping lane. The escalation raises new questions about the durability of a fragile ceasefire and possible market fallout.
Stronger tanker demand has pushed Panama Canal traffic to a multiyear high, underscoring the waterway’s role in global energy and shipping routes. The surge highlights Panama’s continuing importance in international maritime trade.
The Panama Canal Authority advanced its 2025-2035 strategy after meeting with its Advisory Board, focusing on talent, leadership, digital transformation, and sustainability. The plan aims to strengthen the canal’s long-term competitiveness and institutional resilience.
Albrook station will open at 9:00 a.m. Sunday as Metro de Panamá works to integrate Lines 1 and 3. The schedule change affects a key transit hub in Panama City.
Panama’s Maritime Authority is arranging talks with Chinese officials after a rise in controls on Panamanian-flagged ships at Chinese ports. The move comes as Panama seeks to protect the reputation and competitiveness of its ship registry.