Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
Lawmaker Cedeño says Panama’s draft economic substance law must win over the public as the National Assembly begins extraordinary-session debate. The proposal was introduced by Finance Minister Felipe Chapman.
Lawmaker Luis Cedeño said Panama’s economic substance bill must earn the country’s trust as extraordinary legislative sessions continue. The debate highlights the tension between transparency reforms and Panama’s business reputation.
Trump has ordered a new mission focused on the Strait of Hormuz as Iran says it has received a U.S. reply to its peace proposal. The mix of military pressure and diplomacy raises global stakes for energy markets and shipping.
Trump’s pledge to launch Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz has drawn a sharp warning from Iran, raising fears of a maritime confrontation with global energy implications. The standoff could affect shipping costs and fuel prices far beyond the Gulf.
Panama’s water crisis is reigniting debate over Idaan’s governance, tariff model, and long-term structure. Specialists say the problem reflects a broader state failure to manage water as a strategic public service.
Tocumen Airport’s $19.5 million cleaning tender was declared void after bidders failed to meet mandatory requirements. Hombres de Blanco continues providing the service while the airport prepares a new bid.
Meduca awarded 21,000 Microsoft M365 A3 licenses for students, worth $4.4 million, but declared the laptop purchase void after all bids failed evaluation. The decision keeps the digital education push moving on software while leaving device procurement unresolved.
The Panama Canal’s neutral status and strategic shipping role remain central to global trade and energy resilience. Panama continues to rely on the waterway as a vital national asset linking the Atlantic and Pacific.
ENSA has scheduled preventive maintenance on its electrical network from May 4 to May 10, with temporary interruptions expected in specific sectors. Customers can check whether their home or business may be affected by entering their NAC on ENSA’s interruptions page.
Panama’s informal workers are not outside the economy — they are driving it every day through street sales, delivery work, driving, and day labor. The challenge is building institutions that recognize and support that reality.
President Donald Trump said the United States will begin escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a new push to protect one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.
Gasoline remains a major burden for Panamanian drivers, with price changes often felt more sharply at the pump than they are internationally. As ethanol and cleaner energy options gain attention, the debate over real relief for consumers is growing.
Panama’s push toward OECD standards is being framed as a test of consistency, transparency and institutional discipline, not just compliance. The real challenge is whether reforms can last beyond external pressure.
Panama’s strong GDP per capita masks deep inequality, with wealth concentrated in the interoceanic corridor while much of the interior lags behind. A high Gini score and widespread informality underline the challenge facing policymakers.
Panama’s development debate is shifting toward the provinces, with growing calls to strengthen agriculture, infrastructure, education, and jobs outside the capital. Advocates say balanced regional growth is key to reducing inequality and sustaining the economy.
Iran has warned that a U.S. mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz could violate a ceasefire, heightening tensions in a vital shipping lane. The dispute could have ripple effects on energy prices and global trade, including in Latin America.
The BDA delivered more than B/.160,000 in loans to producers in Azuero as part of its institutional transformation under President José Raúl Mulino. The financing supports agricultural activity in one of Panama’s key rural regions.
Shipping companies are paying up to $4 million to cross the Panama Canal as global trade reroutes away from the Middle East. The surge highlights the canal’s growing strategic value during a period of maritime disruption.
A hantavirus case has drawn attention to Panama’s need for strong maritime health controls as a major transit hub. The incident highlights the importance of port monitoring and coordination in protecting trade and public safety.
Panama’s Chamber of Commerce says the country’s labor challenge is to turn rising hiring into formal, stable, and productive jobs. It also called for closing the gap that keeps young workers out of the labor market.