Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Producers in Panama Oeste received technical support from MIDA to improve crop and livestock production in communities including Cirí de Los Sotos and Barrio Unido.
Panama has launched a nationwide postal code system that uses geolocation and a digital platform to standardize addresses across the country. Officials say the change will improve logistics, support e-commerce and strengthen postal services.
The Social Security Fund has confirmed that May 2026 ACH payments for retirees and pensioners in Panama will be deposited on May 19. The monthly schedule helps beneficiaries plan expenses and access their funds on time.
Tocumen International Airport ranked first in Latin America and the Caribbean for international passengers in 2025, handling more than 20.7 million travelers. The airport also posted strong growth in total passengers, cargo and aircraft movements.
Panama hosted the Convención Marítima de las Américas as leaders from the canal, shipping, and government sectors confronted global supply-chain risks and Middle East tensions. The event highlighted Panama’s strategic role in world trade and the pressure on its maritime industry.
The US and Iran remain under a ceasefire that began on April 8, but no peace deal has been reached, leaving tensions in the Strait of Hormuz unresolved. Any renewed clash could affect global energy markets and shipping, with ripple effects for Panama and Latin America.
Tigo Panama raised $87.5 million in a private bond issue, strengthening its financing position in Panama’s telecom market. The deal underscores the sector’s need for steady investment in connectivity and infrastructure.
Bocas del Toro’s banana sector is reactivating after the April 2025 strikes that halted production and disrupted one of Panama’s key export regions. The recovery marks an important step for local jobs and agricultural stability.
Banesco has launched an ICSID arbitration against Panama, with Clifford Chance serving as counsel in the international investment dispute. The case highlights the legal and economic stakes of investor-state conflicts for Panama.
Legal reforms passed in Panama helped reshape Unachi’s hiring rules, swelling its payroll and strengthening Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas’ hold on power. The university now faces a heavy salary burden, debt to Social Security, and mounting scrutiny.
Martín Torrijos and José Raúl Mulino led Panama’s 2024 presidential race in reported private donations, with RM posting the highest combined total once Ricardo Martinelli’s earlier fundraising is included. The campaign finance figures also show how much each ticket spent on advertising, transport and organization.
Panama’s Fourth Bridge over the Canal faces a new $295 million redesign cost, lifting the total to $2.387 billion and delaying completion to December 2028. Lawmakers pressed officials on accountability as the government defended the revised traffic plan.
Panama says relations with China have improved after a diplomatic rift, a development with possible implications for trade and investment. The shift highlights Panama’s effort to keep its foreign policy balanced while protecting its economic interests.
President José Raúl Mulino said Panama cut its country risk by 65%, calling it a regional record and a sign of growing investor confidence. The drop could strengthen Panama’s appeal for foreign investment.
Panama’s lottery sellers say unregulated digital raffles are hurting their sales and reducing the income they depend on. The issue is putting pressure on the traditional lottery network and raising questions about regulation.
Panama’s Budget Committee approved more than $5 million in extra funding for the Civil Aviation Authority, including money for taxiway remodeling at Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport. The move supports airport operations and aviation infrastructure upkeep.
Panama’s Labor Ministry presented a new internship model to the Chamber of Commerce, aiming to help young people move from school into formal work. The proposal highlights cooperation between government and business on youth employment.
Panama’s National Assembly is considering calling Unachi rector Etelvina de Bonagas to answer questions over salaries, financial strain and unpaid social security contributions. The move could place the public university’s finances under closer legislative scrutiny.
Panama has launched a new online Postal Code System that lets users find the postal code tied to a specific location. The tool is now available through the official government portal.
Panama says relations with China have improved after a recent diplomatic spat, raising hopes for steadier cooperation between the two countries. The shift carries added weight because of Panama’s strategic role as a trade and canal hub.