Coverage of national economic trends, policy decisions, and indicators that affect everyday life. We provide analysis of fiscal policy, employment, and growth drivers.
War-related disruption in the Middle East is pushing more cargo toward the Panama Canal, raising demand for transit slots. One LNG vessel even paid $4 million to skip the queue and move faster.
As Panama’s companies accelerate AI adoption, human skills such as adaptability, emotional awareness and relationship-building are emerging as key competitive advantages. The focus is shifting from using more tools to building healthier, more resilient teams.
A power failure cut electricity to several neighborhoods in Panama City late Wednesday night, affecting areas including Vía España, Don Bosco and Brisas del Golf. ENSA said it was working with the National Dispatch Center to restore service gradually.
Panama’s National Assembly reopened debate on Bill 443, which would require a 10% ethanol blend in gasoline, as lawmakers raised concerns about cost, legality and market effects. The discussion will continue Thursday after two minority reports urged rejection of the measure.
Iran war-driven shipping disruption has sent Panama Canal lane prices to a record high, underscoring the waterway’s central role in global trade. The surge could ripple through freight costs and Panama’s economy.
An ICSID tribunal has excluded counsel in a real estate investor claim against Panama, adding a key procedural twist to the arbitration. The ruling may affect how the dispute proceeds and how investors view legal risk in the country.
CADE 2026 opened in Panama with a focus on the country’s OECD bid and strategies to attract investment. The event also marks the 60th anniversary of the forum.
Panama’s recycling efforts have converted more than 2,000 tons of waste into useful products in under seven years, supporting jobs and innovation. The initiative reflects growing momentum for circular-economy solutions in the country.
Panama’s canal and port governance model is being used as a point of comparison as Peru considers its own approach to strategic infrastructure. The debate highlights Panama’s continuing influence on regional logistics policy.
Panama is replacing the original Corredor de las Playas project with a new expansion plan for the Pan-American Highway through Capira. The work is expected to last about two and a half years.
Panama graduated 260 new ordinary seamen through Inadeh training centers in Panama City, Tocumen and Colón. The program strengthens the country’s maritime workforce and logistics sector.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has released footage of a ship seizure in the Strait of Hormuz, reviving concerns over one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. The incident could ripple into oil prices, shipping costs and trade across Latin America.
The Bridge of the Americas in Panama will close for a controlled load test aimed at evaluating the structure’s performance. The assessment is part of ongoing infrastructure oversight on one of the country’s most important crossings.
Basic food prices rose in Panama City over the past 15 days, with the biggest increase in minisúper and small neighborhood shops. Fuel costs are driving the higher prices through the supply chain.
Panama condemned Iran’s seizure of the Panama-flagged MSC-Francesca in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it illegal and a danger to maritime security. The move comes amid wider tension involving vessels in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.
Iranian forces attacked and seized at least two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying tensions as U.S.-Iran talks remain uncertain. The disruption could ripple through oil markets and global shipping, with knock-on effects for Panama and Latin America.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to a virtual standstill after strikes on Iran, raising fears of a major shock to global energy markets. The disruption could drive up fuel costs and ripple through trade, including in Latin America.
Panama Canal lane prices have climbed to record levels as the Iran war disrupts shipping and boosts demand for transit slots. The surge underscores the canal’s central role in global trade and Panama’s economy.
Panama Canal lane prices have climbed to record highs as the Iran war disrupts global shipping and drives more vessels toward Panama. The surge highlights the canal’s strategic role in world trade and its importance to Panama’s economy.
Panama’s National Assembly Budget Committee suspended a $30 million transfer for decentralization after lawmakers said the request lacked a clear municipal breakdown. Deputies want more detail before approving funds linked to Real Estate Tax collections.