Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
President Donald Trump and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva are set to discuss tariffs and organized crime at the White House in talks with regional implications. The meeting could influence trade policy and security cooperation across Latin America.
IFARHU says the first PASE-U 2026 payment could arrive at the end of June, with digital cards among the planned changes. The update gives Panamanian families an early window for one of the country’s most important student aid programs.
Panama will tender the concession for the Isla Margarita port in Colón before the end of 2026, President José Raúl Mulino said. The government wants to attract a top-tier operator for the strategic maritime asset.
A forecast pointing to El Niño conditions is renewing concerns about drought pressure on the Panama Canal, which depends on freshwater lakes to operate its locks. The outlook highlights how climate patterns can affect transit capacity and Panama’s wider economy.
Panama City is hosting the Maritime Convention of the Americas 2026 at the Megapolis Convention Center, with President José Raúl Mulino set to attend. The event highlights the country’s central role in regional shipping and logistics.
Panama closed a renewable energy tender at $33.7 per MWh, lowering the benchmark power price and reinforcing the country’s shift toward cheaper clean energy. The result highlights growing competition in Panama’s electricity market.
ANATI says Panama will move ahead with digital land titling efforts as only 35% of the country has been cadastral. The plan is meant to improve control over national lands and reduce irregularities.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog ended a visit to Panama after both countries expanded trade and technology agreements. The move underscores Panama’s role as a regional business hub and Israel’s effort to preserve international alliances.
China has invoked its anti-sanctions law for the first time, moving to shield five oil refineries from U.S. penalties tied to Iranian oil trade. The step deepens the legal and geopolitical clash with Washington.
Unachi says budget cuts and incomplete transfers have left it unable to cover social security contributions, even as its payroll remains highly paid. Separately, the Assembly is preparing key committee meetings and President Mulino will travel to Costa Rica for a presidential inauguration.
MSC Poesia has completed a Panama Canal transit as it prepares for its first Alaska cruise season from Seattle in 2026. The voyage highlights Panama’s role as a vital link in global cruise and shipping routes.
The Panama Canal has rejected speculation that a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz would trigger higher canal prices. The move underscores Panama’s effort to keep toll policy separate from geopolitical volatility.
Residents of Panama Oeste say rising living costs, traffic and long commutes are making daily life more difficult. The pressure reflects wider challenges in the growing province.
Panama and Israel agreed to reinforce their Free Trade Agreement during a meeting between President José Raúl Mulino and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The talks also covered cooperation in water, cybersecurity, medicine, logistics, agricultural technology and tourism.
Panama’s water crisis is more than an infrastructure issue: it affects urban growth, public spaces and daily life. The country’s abundant rainfall contrasts with persistent access and management problems.
Panama is being urged to charge more for the value created by its logistics and port sector, rather than fear losing transshipment traffic. The argument centers on turning the country’s strategic location into broader national development.
Veracruz has the beach, location, and tourism potential to grow, but residents say the expected development has not yet materialized. The community remains in a holding pattern as promises of progress are still pending.
Panama won a CIADI arbitration against Banesco after the tribunal dismissed a $13.5 million claim and ordered the bank to pay $900,000 in costs. The ruling bolsters Panama’s position on investment disputes and legal stability.
Panama won an international arbitration case after the tribunal found it did not violate treaty obligations. The ruling also ordered a $900,000 payment.
Panama’s Fourth Bridge over the canal will cost more after a redesign of the East Interchange raised the project total to $2.387 billion. The completion date has also been pushed to December 2028.