Panama
ECLAC cuts Latin America growth forecast amid global uncertainties
The UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has downgraded its 2025 growth forecast to 2%, adding to a chorus of international institutions painting a bleak outlook for the region.
Panama’s Mulino rules out mining law in bid to restart First Quantum project
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has signalled a shift in strategy for the future of the country’s largest copper operation, the Cobre Panamá mine, while rejecting any path that would require legislative approval for a new mining contract.
LatAm set to be world's slowest-growing region as World Bank slashes forecasts
Economic expansion for region projected to be slowest globally as external pressures mount
Latin American leaders blast US tariffs at CELAC summit as China offers economic lifeline
Latin American leaders gathered in Honduras on April 9 to condemn United States trade measures during the ninth summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
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US-China rivalry deepens over Panama Canal as Washington pushes new security pact
The Panama Canal is once again at the centre of geopolitical tension, as the United States increases pressure to counter China’s influence in the region.
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Why investors are turning their gaze to Latin America after Trump tariffs
Trump's trade war unexpectedly boosts Latin America, with investors spotting fresh opportunities in a reshuffled global economic landscape.
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US defence chief's Panama visit heightens pressure over Chinese canal influence
The Panama Canal has once again become the focus of geopolitical friction, as the US escalates diplomatic and strategic pressure on Panama over what it claims is growing Chinese influence around the critical waterway.
Latin America to miss more than three-quarters of 2030 sustainability targets, ECLAC says
The region's progress on UN goals is hampered by weak institutions and debt burden, warns UN commission in a new report.
Latin America escapes full wrath of Trump's tariffs, as few nations bear brunt
Most regional economies hit with baseline 10% rate while Venezuela, Nicaragua and Guyana face steeper levies.
Beijing blocks BlackRock's Panama port deal amid US-China tensions
The proposed sale of two key Panamanian ports by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison to a consortium led by BlackRock has hit a roadblock, as China exerts pressure to halt the deal.
Panama revokes 128 ship registrations in crackdown on Russia and Iran’s shadow fleet carrying oil
Panama has intensified its crackdown on sanctioned vessels by revoking the registration of 128 ships, a move primarily targeting the "shadow fleet" facilitating oil exports from Russia and Iran.
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IMF: How Artificial Intelligence can boost productivity in Latin America
Latin America and the Caribbean has long been a region with one of the most informal labour markets. A large part of the workforce is outside of the formal economy, leaving many people without access to benefits and protections.
US escalates pressure on Panama over Canal control
The US is reportedly intensifying diplomatic and military manoeuvres to challenge Panama's sovereignty over the Panama Canal, with Washington drafting contingency plans that range from increased military cooperation to potential invasion.
Trump's migration clampdown endangers remittances lifeline to Central America
Trump's crackdown threatens vital remittances to Central America, where money sent by migrants makes up to 27% of GDP. The region received $160.9bn in 2024, but these crucial flows now face risk as families depend on them for survival.
EU eyes “strategic autonomy” partnership with Latin America amid deepening rift with US
The European Union is seeking to deepen its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, framing the partnership as one built on "strategic autonomy" rather than as a counterbalance to China's growing influence in the region.
US deportation of asylum seekers to Panama condemned by Iran
The United States has deported 119 asylum seekers of various nationalities to Panama, including Iranian nationals who claim they were transferred without notice or deportation documentation.
Uruguay leads Americas in anti-corruption rankings as regional standards slip
Uruguay has emerged as a beacon of transparency in the Americas, securing the top position in Transparency International's latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with a score of 76 points – its highest since 2012.
Trump’s USAID retreat from Latin America opens door to Chinese influence
The Trump administration's sweeping plans to axe USAID are poised to deliver a significant blow to humanitarian and development programmes across Latin America, paving the way for Beijing's increased activity.