Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
IFARHU will distribute PASE-U and 2026 scholarship payments through ACH cards, changing how students and families receive education support. The move aims to simplify delivery for one of Panama’s most important aid systems.
Farmers in Panama are protesting a proposed Panama Canal reservoir on the Indio River, raising concerns about farmland, water use, and rural livelihoods. The dispute underscores the tension between canal water needs and local community interests.
Varela Hermanos has launched Seco Herrerano Reposado Cristalino, a premium new expression of Panama’s iconic sugarcane spirit. The release blends French oak aging and charcoal filtration with the brand’s 75-year legacy.
Panama’s Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed a public-sector payroll payment for April 27. The scheduled deposit affects a group of state workers across included entities in the country.
The Panama Canal is pressing the need for new water supplies after communities marched against the proposed Indio River dam. The dispute highlights the tension between canal operations and local concerns over water and land use.
Business groups in Panama are urging the government to define a national strategy as the country weighs possible OECD accession. The private sector says the move should be treated as a long-term economic and institutional decision.
Panama’s business groups are weighing the benefits of OECD standards as a way to boost competitiveness and trust. They also warn that education, productivity, and institutional gaps could slow progress.
The Panama Canal posted higher traffic and stronger demand in the first half of fiscal 2026, pointing to a rebound in one of Panama’s most important economic engines. The increase underscores the canal’s central role in global trade.
A ship that paid about $4 million to transit the Panama Canal has attracted attention after being redirected. The case highlights the canal’s central role in global trade and the high stakes of shipping logistics.
Panama Canal fees have risen as global shipping is rerouted away from instability around the Strait of Hormuz. Panama says it is maximizing returns from the waterway as traffic increases.
Panama’s Government Innovation Authority is investigating a cyberattack on Panama Emprende, the government platform used for business procedures. Officials said the impact was low, but the case raises fresh concerns about public-sector cybersecurity.
Panamanian authorities are investigating a cybersecurity incident involving Panama Emprende after alerts about a possible database leak on dark web forums. MICI is working with AIG on the review.
Rising jet fuel prices are pushing airlines to raise fares and trim flights, with Panama likely to feel the effects through higher ticket costs and reduced connectivity. The pressure is expected to intensify as the peak travel season begins.
The Residences at Westin has been introduced in Playa Bonita, adding a new branded residential option to one of Panama’s top coastal locations. The project highlights continued interest in luxury living near Panama City.
Russian attacks on Ukraine killed at least five people and damaged a ship in port, while Ukrainian strikes injured people in Russia and annexed Crimea. The latest exchanges highlight the war’s ongoing threat to civilians and global shipping.
Shipping companies are paying up to $4 million to cross the Panama Canal as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz drives more vessels toward the waterway. The spike highlights Panama’s role as a crucial backup route in global trade.
Panama’s National Assembly has advanced a bill to eliminate ITBMS on menstrual products, with lawmakers proposing higher tobacco and vape taxes to replace the lost revenue. Supporters call it a gender equity measure, while officials urge technical review of the funding plan.
Panama’s Ministry of Social Development has started home visits for more than 9,000 pending applicants to verify eligibility for key social programs. The campaign targets households in extreme poverty and is part of an update to the national beneficiary registry.
Panama’s Education Ministry is still awaiting Comptroller approval and a tie-break decision before fully distributing school milk, cookies and nutritional cream nationwide. Some schools are being supplied with leftover stock and previous-contract deliveries in the meantime.
IMA Agroferias will return on April 27 and 28 with affordable staple foods in multiple provinces and comarcas across Panama. Shoppers must bring their identity card to buy products.