Panama

Itaú Unibanco sold its retail banking operations in Colombia and Panama to Banco de Bogotá for US$490 million, transferring approximately 267,000 customers as part of a strategy to focus on core markets.

The article details how Israel's surveillance and arms industries, particularly NSO Group, sell spyware like Pegasus to governments globally, including Panama, to advance political interests. It highlights Shalev Hulio's 2013 diplomatic visit to Panama during NSO Group's Pegasus sale and ties these activities to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's regime, which uses such tools to meddle in elections and maintain diplomatic leverage.

Latin American nomad visa costs vary significantly in 2026, with monthly income requirements ranging from US$1,400 in Colombia to US$4,400 in Mexico. Panama’s remote-worker visa requires an annual US$36,000 payment and no tax on foreign income, while Colombia, Brazil, and Chile have the lowest entry costs at US$1,400–1,500 monthly.

Panama has been ranked as the top country for expats globally for the third consecutive year by InterNations surveys in 2026. The country's use of the US dollar as its official currency and its cost advantage, with Panama City being roughly 40% cheaper than other cities, are highlighted as key factors.

Presidents from Bolivia, Paraguay, Chile, Honduras, Argentina, Uruguay, Panama, and Ecuador are attending Keiko Fujimori's inauguration in Lima for Peru's 2026-2031 presidential term. The event brings together Southern Cone and Andean leaders for the handover ceremony.

Bringing a pet to Panama requires a veterinary health certificate, up-to-date rabies vaccination, an import permit arranged beforehand, and potential home quarantine. The article outlines these steps and references The Rio Times as the source.

Panama is considering creating a state-owned mining company to hold the Cobre Panama copper mine concession and partner with First Quantum. One proposal gives First Quantum a 60–65% stake and Panama 35–40%, while an alternative model involves leasing the concession.

The government of President José Raúl Mulino completed a sovereign debt operation totaling EUR 2.9 billion (~US$3.3 billion), repaying existing loans early and securing new financing for 2026.

The article highlights five orchid species that resemble animals, insects, and humans, including the 'naked man orchid' (Orchis italica), 'swaddled baby' (Anguloa uniflora), 'dove orchid' (Peristeria elata), 'bumble bee orchid' (Ophrys bombyliflora), and 'monkey orchid' (Dracula chimaera). These orchids are described for their unique appearances and ecological adaptations.

Several Latin American countries now require private health insurance for entry or visa eligibility. Argentina mandates insurance for non-residents at entry, Panama's digital-nomad visa requires international coverage valid in Panama, and Brazil's nomad visa demands coverage including medical evacuation.

Panama's economy grew 5.19% in May 2026, more than doubling the 2.95% growth rate from the same month a year earlier. The IMAE index rose 4.88% in the first five months of 2026, indicating sustained economic momentum.

Panama officials are visiting Beijing to resolve a shipping dispute. Vessels are removing Panamanian flags following increased detentions by China.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledged support for the Panama Canal’s neutrality protocol during a meeting with Panamanian President Juan Raúl Mulino Quintero. The statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to regain control of the canal, which was transferred to Panama in 1999. Both leaders emphasized strengthening bilateral cooperation and respecting sovereignty.

The new Hospital del Niño in Panama has a total cost of $705.8 million, including $128.4 million in financing costs. The Panamanian state will disburse $537.9 million by 2033 under the current contract.

Panama faces a housing deficit of over 180,000 units but has 2,536 unsold homes. New home sales fell 34.4% in 2025 compared to 2024, and mortgage approvals at a property fair dropped more than 70%.

Panama and Japan's shipowners agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation. This agreement is a key development as Panama seeks to defend its Canal and maintain its status as the world's largest ship registry.

New bank lending in Panama decreased by 7% in early 2026, with construction and housing finance sectors experiencing the most significant decline, signaling potential challenges for the broader economy.

China defends its inspections of Panama-flagged ships as routine safety checks, rejecting U.S. and Panamanian claims that the inspections are weaponized. Beijing claims these vessels had the highest share of accidents in its waters this year, with detentions increasing after Panama voided a Chinese-linked canal.

China rejects US and Panamanian claims that it is weaponizing ship inspections, defending them as routine safety checks. The Chinese foreign ministry states the inspections are lawful and aimed at protecting navigation and the marine environment.

Citi upgraded Panama's 2026 growth forecast to 4.4% from 4.1%, citing benefits to the Panama Canal from ships rerouting around the Middle East conflict. Panama's economy grew 4.8% recently, according to the report.

Panama's foreign investment decreased by 61.5% in the first quarter, prompting a strategic shift towards strengthening ties with Mercosur to attract new capital as neighboring countries gain economic momentum.

Dely Valdés analyzed Panama's national team performance, acknowledging growth but stressing the need for continued support to avoid truncating the project. The team is heading toward a major final.

Panama has rejected a report that labeled its Colon Free Zone as a smuggling hub, defending the zone against reputational damage. The report criticized the largest duty-free zone in the Americas for being a smuggler's haven.

Panama's Copa Stopover program helped 132,000 travelers convert layovers into holidays in the first half of 2026, a 38% increase, with the program now lasting up to 15 days.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering adding a bank holiday if England wins a World Cup final, but faces pushback from business groups and social services. Countries like Ecuador and Paraguay recently declared public holidays after World Cup victories, though Paraguay's President Santiago Peña faced criticism for a spontaneous holiday declaration that disrupted businesses.

Panama's weather service has upgraded the El Niño event to a strong level, posing a threat to the Panama Canal, which relies on rainwater. A commission monitoring reservoirs includes the authority responsible for the canal.

Chiriqui province in Panama has $1 billion in projects awaiting permits, with the Chamber of Commerce reporting that a single inspection can take up to six months. Investors are ready but face delays in the permitting process.

Panama enacted Law 526 on May 28, requiring entities earning foreign passive income to demonstrate real local activity to retain tax exemptions. Those failing to meet the criteria face a 15 percent tax on foreign income.

Panama's economic growth projection hinges on the reopening of the Cobre copper mine, with the industrial lobby SIP estimating 6% growth by 2027 if it reopens versus 3.7% if it remains closed. A 40% difference in growth outcomes depends on a single political decision regarding the mine.

Panama plans to build a maximum-security prison to isolate gang leaders who continue directing crimes from inside. President Jose Raul Mulino announced the initiative as part of a 'force majeure plan' to address ongoing gang-related violence and extortion.

Lee Greenwood, the 'God Bless the USA' singer, survived enemy fire while on USO duty during Operation Just Cause in Panama. He was hit by enemy fire while entertaining troops as part of the USO mission.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez faces political challenges as the humanitarian crisis from twin earthquakes worsens. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, exiled after fleeing to accept a Nobel Peace Prize, calls for her return to aid recovery efforts, criticizing the government's response as disorganized. The U.S. supports Rodríguez's interim leadership while discouraging Machado's return to prevent political destabilization.

An external audit found Panama's Cobre Panamá mine 88% compliant with legal, fiscal, and environmental duties. President Mulino missed his mid-year deadline to decide on the mine's future, stating the issue remains under study as of July 1. He has ruled out a specific route for the mine's operations, though details are not provided.

Iran claimed a foreign ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz for ignoring designated routes, but the vessel, identified as the Arista, is linked to Iran and operated under false flags. The ship, previously known as the Panama-flagged Gauja, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for an oil smuggling network tied to Iran’s elite.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado accused acting President Delcy Rodríguez's government of closing the country's airspace to block her return. The claim comes as Venezuela addresses the aftermath of a June 24 twin earthquake that killed over 1,700 people and injured 5,000.

The US military conducted strikes on Iranian military sites following an attack on a commercial tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Centcom stated Iran launched a drone that struck the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku, prompting US aircraft to target surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelaying capabilities.

Polymarket offers a $50 trading bonus for users who deposit $20 and use the promo code NYPMAX ahead of the Panama vs. England World Cup match.

The Falkland Islands Government has urged Canada to support the Islanders' right to self-determination at the Organization of American States (OAS) assembly in Panama. Two members of the archipelago's Legislative Assembly recently visited Ottawa to seek backing from officials and lawmakers.

England faces Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium in its final Group L match, aiming to secure the top spot before the World Cup knockout stage.

Bladex, a Panama-based lender established in 1979 to finance Latin American trade, reported a record net profit of $227 million in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year, with its commercial loan portfolio reaching $11.2 billion.