The Panama Canal Authority confirmed that the waterway suffered no structural damage following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in southern Panama. Shipping operations continued without interruption, keeping one of the world's most important maritime trade routes open.
Panama Secures $50 Million Emergency Credit Line Following Major Earthquake
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean has approved a $50 million emergency credit facility for Panama following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The funding will help authorities repair damaged infrastructure and maintain essential public safety services.
Tocumen International Airport Resumes Flights After Earthquake Disruptions
Panama City's Tocumen International Airport has resumed operations following emergency structural inspections prompted by the earthquake in southern Panama. Copa Airlines and other international carriers are working to clear a backlog of delayed and diverted flights across the region.
Panama Canal Raises Daily Transit Capacity to 33 Ships as Water Levels Recover
The Panama Canal Authority plans to increase daily vessel transits to 33 by mid-October while easing draft restrictions as Gatun Lake water levels recover. The additional capacity is expected to support global shipping ahead of the peak cargo season.
Panama's Economy Grows 5.5% in First Half as Logistics Sector Expands
Panama's National Institute of Statistics and Census reported economic growth of 5.5% during the first half of the year, supported by strong performance in logistics, warehousing and maritime transport. The expansion places Panama among the region's faster-growing economies.
EU Removes Panama From Tax Blacklist Following Financial Transparency Reforms
The European Union has removed Panama from its list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions following reforms to the country's banking and financial oversight systems. The decision strengthens Panama's appeal as an international financial centre and could support future foreign investment.
Panama Reports 89% Decline in Darién Gap Migration Following US Repatriation Deal
President José Raúl Mulino's administration says irregular migration through the Darién Gap has fallen 89% from the previous year. The government attributes the decline to tighter border controls and repatriation flights supported by the United States.
Panama's National Bank Secures $210 Million to Expand Business and Infrastructure Lending
The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean has approved a $210 million credit facility for the National Bank of Panama. The financing will support infrastructure projects, medium-sized businesses and corporate lending, providing additional funding for domestic economic activity.
Panamanian President Seeks Vietnamese Investment in Ports and Free-Trade Zones
President José Raúl Mulino and senior Panamanian officials have held trade and investment discussions in Hanoi, seeking greater participation from Vietnamese manufacturers and investors. The talks focus on expanding Panama's Pacific port infrastructure and free-trade zones.
Panama Investigators Arrest Former BAC Credomatic Executive in Corporate Tax Fraud Probe
Panamanian authorities have detained a former senior BAC Credomatic executive as part of Operation Pandora, an investigation into suspected corporate tax credit fraud. Prosecutors are examining an alleged network accused of manipulating tax credits to divert money from government revenue.
Strait of Magellan Shipping Traffic Jumps 70% as Carriers Seek Alternatives to Panama Canal
Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Magellan has increased 70% from a year earlier, according to international shipping intelligence. Some heavy bulk carriers continue choosing the longer South American route to avoid Panama Canal transit fees, despite improved capacity at the waterway.
Panama Plans to Raise Property Investment Requirement for Permanent Residency to $500,000
Panama is preparing to increase the minimum property investment needed for its Qualified Investor permanent residency programme from $300,000 to $500,000 in mid-October. Property developers and wealth managers report increased activity as investors seek to complete transactions before the changes take effect.
Panama Seeks Singaporean Investment to Modernise Maritime Terminals
Panamanian maritime and infrastructure representatives have presented port investment opportunities to business leaders in Singapore. The discussions aim to attract Asian financing for terminal upgrades and more efficient cargo transfers along the Panama Canal corridor.
Inchcape Chooses Panama as Regional Logistics Hub for Central America and Caribbean
Global automotive distributor Inchcape plans to consolidate regional supply chain operations in Panama, using the country's maritime connections and Colón Free Zone. The move is intended to improve inventory management and vehicle distribution across Central America and the Caribbean.
Colón Free Zone Sees Rising Re-Exports as Chinese Manufacturers Expand Distribution
Panama's Colón Free Zone is recording increased re-export activity as Asian manufacturers, particularly Chinese companies, expand their use of the facility. Businesses are storing more goods in the duty-free zone for onward distribution to markets across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Copa Airlines Waives Change Fees Across Regional Routes Following Panama Airport Disruptions
Copa Airlines has introduced temporary ticketing flexibility across dozens of international routes following operational disruptions at Tocumen International Airport. The measures allow affected passengers to change travel plans without additional fees as the airline restores normal connections.
Panama Canal Lifts Key Shipping Restrictions After Rainfall Restores Gatun Lake Levels
Sustained rainfall has replenished water reserves in Gatun Lake, allowing the Panama Canal to ease draft restrictions that previously limited vessel capacity. The recovery is helping the canal accommodate larger cargo loads ahead of the year-end shipping season.
Panama's Exports to China Exceed $54 Million as Bilateral Trade Expands
Chinese purchases of Panamanian products have surpassed $54 million, with copper and agricultural byproducts accounting for much of the trade. The figures highlight continued commercial links between China and Panama as the Central American country develops its international export markets.
Panama Attracts Technology Investment as Digital Finance Sector Expands
International venture capital investors are increasing their interest in Panama's technology sector, particularly financial technology and cross-border digital services. The country's dollar-based economy, telecommunications infrastructure and updated banking regulations are supporting plans for new regional operations.
Panama's Ports Invest in Refrigerated Storage to Expand Agricultural Export Trade
Port operators along the Panama Canal are expanding refrigerated warehousing and temperature-controlled logistics facilities. The investments aim to attract more agricultural exports from South America and strengthen Panama's role in handling perishable goods bound for international markets.