Panama Ports Rebound After Government Takeover

Container volumes at Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal ports are trending upward, signaling a recovery from the sharp decline that followed the government’s February decision to annul key operating contracts and seize control of port administration.

Editorial·June 22, 2026·reads: 611

Panama Ports Rebound After Government Takeover

Activity at the Balboa terminal on the Pacific coast climbed to 221,536 moves in May, marking a significant increase from the 153,840 moves recorded in March. A similar trend emerged on the Atlantic side, where the Colon port reached 71,096 moves in May, up from 46,408 just two months prior. The Ports Authority confirmed the surge as the facilities stabilize under state management following the initial market disruption caused by the abrupt change in oversight.