Panama Services Exports Climb 9.7% in First Quarter of 2026
PANAMA CITY, July 18, 2026 – Panama’s services exports reached B/.5.4998 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 9.7% increase from the same period a year earlier.
Figures cited from MICI’s commercial intelligence office and INEC show transport remained the leading category, generating B/.2.7601 billion, or slightly more than half of total services exports. That reflects the continued centrality of the Canal, ports, logistics operations and related trade services to Panama’s economic model.
The travel category also gained ground, rising 15.6% in the first quarter. Tourism has become an increasingly important part of Panama’s post-pandemic services recovery, supported by hotels, air connectivity, restaurants, tour operators and regional business travel.
Modern services, including finance, telecommunications, information technology and business services, also contributed to the result. These sectors matter because they can help Panama diversify beyond traditional logistics while still building on the country’s connectivity, dollarized economy and regional business position.
Why it matters
Services are one of Panama’s strongest export engines. Continued growth supports employment, tax revenue, foreign exchange flows and investor confidence. The data also gives policymakers a way to measure whether Panama is becoming more competitive in high-value services beyond the Canal and ports.
What happens next
The next quarterly figures will show whether transport and tourism can sustain the early-year pace. Analysts will also watch whether modern services continue expanding as a larger share of the export mix.
