Business

First female administrator in the Panama Canal's history takes the helm
Naval engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta has assumed leadership of the Panama Canal, becoming the first woman to lead the interoceanic waterway's adminis
Panama canal daily transit could drop further to 27, administrator tells FT
The Panama Canal administration warned that daily ship transits could decrease to 27 vessels if water scarcity continues.
Panama Canal considering more cuts in transits due to El Nino
The Panama Canal Authority is weighing additional reductions in daily vessel transits in response to climate pressures and El Niño conditions.
Tocumen Just Put a $306.75 Million Expansion Out to Bid, and the Envelopes Open September 28
Tocumen Airport has tendered a $306.75 million expansion project as it cements its standing among Latin America's top regional megahubs.

Panama Positions Fintech for Global Trade as Economy Hits $102B in 2026
Panama's fintech sector is evolving beyond basic financial inclusion to serve cross-border trade, international banking, and maritime supply chains.

Panama Retirement Visa: The Ultimate Guide to the Pensionado Program
A review of Panama's Pensionado visa examines key relocation incentives, utility discounts, and premier expat communities such as Boquete and Coronado

Chiquita plans to export 11 million boxes of bananas from Panama this year
Chiquita expects to export around 11 million boxes of bananas from Panama this year and 15 million next year following the revival of its Bocas del To

Panama Fights Back After Report Calls Its Free Zone a Smuggler's Haven
Panama's Colón Free Zone officials have rejected allegations regarding widespread illicit trade and money laundering within the commercial hub.

Panama Fights Back After Report Calls Its Free Zone a Smuggler’s Haven
Panamanian officials and Colón Free Zone administrators vigorously rejected an international report accusing the duty-free hub of facilitating illicit
Panama has Resumed Banana Exports from Chiquita
Panama has officially resumed exporting Chiquita bananas to European markets such as the Netherlands after a major agricultural shutdown.

The Panama Digital Nomad Visa: Your Gateway to Tropical Remote Work
A detailed analysis of Panama's digital nomad visa options and tax implications for American remote workers.

Investing in Panama: A Dollarised Economy
An investment overview outlines how Panama's dual-currency system of U.S. dollars and balboas removes foreign exchange risk for international capital.

Panama Work Visa: How Employer Sponsorship Actually Works
An examination of the key distinctions between standard sponsored work permits and Panama's digital nomad visa.

Panama Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Rules, Income and How to Apply
Panama offers a short-stay visa allowing remote workers earning foreign income to reside in the country for up to 18 months.
Copa Airlines sticks to no-hedge stance as fuel shock tests airlines, CEO says
Copa Airlines will maintain its strategy of not hedging fuel costs despite a sharp rise in prices caused by geopolitical tensions.
Panama to Tax Shell Companies Used by Wealthy With 15% Levy
Panama lawmakers are implementing a 15% tax levy on shell companies used by wealthy foreigners to hold offshore profits.
Panama's Copa Airlines to buy 60 Boeing 737 Max jets
Panamanian flag carrier Copa Airlines agreed to buy up to 60 Boeing 737 MAX jets valued at roughly $13.5 billion at list price.

Comparing the Panama Pacifico and Colon Free Trade Zone
An analysis compares Panama Pacifico and the Colón Free Trade Zone, examining their operational models, customs interactions, and trade roles.
Casco Viejo - Panama's Historic Investment District
Casco Viejo balances colonial charm with robust commercial and residential investment potential in the heart of Panama City.
CK Hutchison says Panama Canal port workers removed after court-ordered takeover
CK Hutchison reported that Panama Canal port workers were removed following a court-ordered takeover of concessions along the waterway.
China said to halt Panama deals after ports operation nulled, Bloomberg News reports
Reports indicate China paused commercial engagements in Panama after local authorities intervened in port terminal operations.

Cruise Ship Makes Record Panama Canal Transit
The Disney Adventure completed a milestone transit as the largest passenger vessel by gross tonnage and capacity to ever cross the Panama Canal.

Pensionado Visa Panama Guide 2026 - Global Citizen Solutions
An in-depth breakdown of the Panama Pensionado Visa explains requirements, permanent residency perks, and wide-ranging discounts under Panamanian law.
Retire To Panama To Beat Inflation
Moving to Panama offers international retirees an effective hedge against domestic inflation thanks to lower consumer costs, favorable tax structures,

Panama Canal Delivers Nearly $3 Billion to Treasury After Drought Recovery
The Panama Canal Authority contributed almost $3 billion to Panama's National Treasury following a post-drought traffic rebound.
Li Ka-shing’s $19 Billion Ports Sale, Including Two in Panama Canal, Slows
Talks regarding the multibillion-dollar sale of port assets tied to Li Ka-shing, including strategic terminals at the Panama Canal like the Port of Ba

Panama’s Banana Industry Awakens After Months of Silence
Plantations in Bocas del Toro have begun rehabilitation efforts as part of a $30 million initiative to restart Panama's top agricultural export.
Panama launches canal gas pipeline project for interoceanic energy corridor
Panama has initiated a pipeline project along the canal route designed to establish an interoceanic energy corridor.
Chiquita to return to Panama with US$30 million investment and 5,000 jobs
Chiquita Brands has agreed to restart operations in Panama with a $30 million investment following earlier mass layoffs and labor strikes.

Panama: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report
The IMF reported that Panama's economic growth is poised to rebound to 4.5% in 2025, while warning of significant fiscal challenges and credit rating
IMF sees Panama GDP up 4.5% this year in rebound from copper mine closure
The IMF projected that Panama's economic growth would rebound to 4.5% as the country gradually adjusts to the aftermath of the Cobre Panamá shutdown.

A Panama Gesha Broke Price Records (Again)
A washed Gesha coffee lot from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete fetched a record-breaking $30,204 per kilogram at the Best of Panama auction.
Panamanian Geisha coffee sets new price record
A washed Geisha coffee from Panama's Hacienda La Esmeralda sold for a historic $30,204 per kilogram at the 2025 Best of Panama auction.
Billions in Bank Loans Buy Panama Time as Doubts Mount
Traders are evaluating how far Panama's bond rally can go amid concerns that President José Raúl Mulino's bank borrowing strategy to cover fiscal defi
Panama Canal expecting over 225 cruise ships
The Panama Canal anticipates over 225 cruise ship transits for the upcoming season, including 54 Neopanamax vessels.

Panamanian Balboa Explained: What You Need to Know
A financial guide details the historical roots, parity structure, and practical roles of both the balboa and U.S. dollar in Panama.

Panama Launches a Financial Innovation Hub with IDB Support
Panama has launched the Panama Financial Innovation Hub (Finhub) in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank to accelerate fintech develop

Panama Launches Financial Innovation Hub to Promote Inclusion and Sustainable Development
Panama's banking regulator introduces an innovation hub to encourage fintech development, regulatory dialogue, and financial inclusion.
A Multi‑dimensional Approach to the Post-COVID‑19 World for Panama
An OECD report details Panama's economic contraction during the pandemic and its subsequent trade and structural recovery efforts.
First Quantum to discontinue two Cobre Panama arbitration proceedings
First Quantum Minerals agreed to drop two arbitration proceedings over Cobre Panamá, signaling potential progress toward talks to resolve the dispute.

Panama Tocumen International Airport New Runway
Panama is pursuing a major $900 million expansion program at Tocumen International Airport, featuring a third runway and a new control tower.
Panama's economic growth slows to 2.9% in 2024 after key mine closure
Official data revealed Panama's economic growth slowed sharply to 2.9% in 2024 following the suspension of the Cobre Panamá mine.
Panama concerned about economic toll of Cobre Panama mine closure
Panamanian President José Mulino expressed concern over the severe economic hardship and job losses resulting from the shutdown of the Cobre Panamá co

Buying real estate in Casco Viejo of Panama City
Strict preservation laws and height restrictions in Casco Viejo make it a rare, value-retaining real estate niche in Panama City.
Can the Panamanian Economy be De-Dollarized?
An analysis explores the debate surrounding Panama's dollarized monetary regime and the viability of introducing an independent sovereign currency.
Panama's debt downgraded by S&P to lowest investment grade
S&P downgraded Panama's sovereign credit rating to the lowest tier of investment grade, citing fiscal strain and liabilities tied to the mine closure.

Panama Canal says trade rebound is underway after record drought
Panama Canal authorities reported early signs of trade recovery following substantial transit declines across 2024.
Panama Stop Over’ Seeks to Attract 300 Thousand Tourists Annually
Panama's tourism authority and Copa Airlines expanded the Panama Stopover initiative aiming to bring 300,000 visitors annually by 2026.
Panama Sees 8.7% Increase in Visitor Arrivals During First Half of 2024
Panama's tourism sector grew 8.7% in the first half of 2024, welcoming over 1.44 million travelers.

Panama Canal unveils new booking system and updates on Indio River project
During events commemorating the Panama Canal's 110th anniversary, the Canal Authority unveiled long-term booking strategies and infrastructure plans.