---
title: "Panama Exporters Lose Ground as U.S. Tariffs Rise to 15%"
date: 2026-04-11
modified: 2026-04-10
author: ""
url: https://panamadaily.news/panama-exports-us-tariff-hike/
categories:
  - "Business"
  - "Economy"
tags:
  - "Apex"
  - "bananas"
  - "Panama exports"
  - "shrimp exports"
  - "trade with United States"
  - "U.S. tariffs"
---

# Panama Exporters Lose Ground as U.S. Tariffs Rise to 15%

## What Happened

Panama’s exporters are facing a tougher path into the United States after tariffs on Panamanian products were raised from 10% to 15%. The increase has added costs for sellers of key goods such as shrimp, fish, sugar, and bananas, while weakening the price advantage Panama once had in that market.

Arturo Siu, president of the Panama Exporters Association (APEX), said exports now enter the U.S. under the new 15% tariff scheme for an initial period of 150 days. He warned that the change places Panama on the same footing as other suppliers competing for U.S. buyers.

## Impact on Panama’s Main Export Sectors

Four products account for about 80% of Panama’s shipments to the United States: fish, sugar, bananas, and shrimp. Those sectors now face the greatest exposure to the higher tariff because buyers can turn to other suppliers with similar or lower landing costs.

Siu said the tariff increase erases advantages Panama previously held over competitors that were paying higher duties. With the new rate, Panamanian products no longer enjoy the same relative edge in the U.S. market.

## Trade Numbers Show a Drop

According to Ministry of Commerce and Industries data cited by the business sector, the United States accounted for 15% of Panama’s total exports at the end of 2025, equal to $146.2 million. That figure marked a 20.8% decline from the $184.5 million reported in 2024.

The decline underscores how sensitive Panama’s export industry is to changes in access conditions in its largest commercial markets. For many producers, even a modest tariff shift can alter pricing, margins, and shipment decisions.

## Why Exporters Are Concerned

APEX argues that the tariff increase complicates Panama’s trade relationship with one of its closest commercial partners. Siu said Panama has steadily lowered tariffs on U.S. goods under the trade agreement between the two countries, while Panamanian exports are now facing a higher barrier.

He also said Panama’s product quality remains a strength, pointing to goods such as pineapple and coffee as examples of items that can stand out internationally. Still, he noted that the coming months will be important in determining how much damage the tariff rise ultimately causes.

## Looking Beyond the U.S. Market

In response, exporters are also weighing market diversification as a way to reduce dependence on the United States. Europe and other international destinations are emerging as alternatives, especially for products sold under the “Hecho en Panamá” brand.

The sector expects 2026 to bring growth if logistics improve and key port operations remain active. Even so, uncertainty over tariffs is likely to remain one of the main factors shaping Panama’s export performance in the year ahead.