Panama's economic activity surges 5.96% in April 2026

Panama's economy demonstrated robust growth in April 2026, with the Monthly Economic Activity Index (IMAE) rising 5.96% compared to the same month in the previous year. This expansion significantly outpaced the 4.15% growth observed in April 2025, according to data released by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC).

The positive performance was largely propelled by strong activity in the commerce, transport, and finance sectors. The commerce sector benefited from dynamic local retail and wholesale sales, alongside increased re-exports of goods from the Colón Free Zone, the largest in the Americas. Sales of new automobiles and 91-octane gasoline also contributed to this sector's growth.

Maritime and logistics activities, crucial to Panama's economy, saw a significant boost. The Panama Canal experienced increased transit, partly attributed to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz impacting global shipping routes. This surge benefited the transport, storage, and communications sector, as well as air transport and container movement through the national port system.

Financial intermediation also showed positive trends, with increases in external deposits and loan portfolios. Industrial production saw a rise, particularly in food processing, including chicken, beef, and tomato-based products. However, some sectors experienced negative variations, such as pineapple cultivation, fish and fillet exports, thermal energy generation, 95-octane fuel sales, soft and alcoholic beverages, and milk production.