“This Awakening is Being Built by All Panamanians”. Chapman on Panama’s 6.4% Economic Growth.
“Panama is moving forward by working. The 6.4% is not a goal achieved. It is a sign that we are recovering momentum,” Chapman said.
The Panamanian economy grew by 6.4% during the second quarter of 2026, compared to the same period of the previous year, according to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Second Quarter 2026 report, prepared by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) of the Comptroller General of the Republic. The result was highlighted by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, during his participation in the 18th National Competitiveness Forum, held under the theme “From Strategic Position to Competitive Nation.”
What Did Chapman Say?
Chapman highlighted that the economy accumulated a growth of 5.5% during the first half of 2026, while noting that the performance recorded between April and June responded to the behavior of different sectors of economic activity. Among the main results, the transportation, storage and logistics category grew 12.8% in the quarter; wholesale and retail trade, 11.6%; the agricultural sector, 9.6%; and the supply of electricity and water, 7.5%. “Everything that connects us and moves us forward—the Canal, the ports, Tocumen Airport, and land transport—grew 12.8% in the quarter. That’s double the rate at which the country grew. And it wasn’t just one sector that grew: all four grew simultaneously,” the minister pointed out.
Trade and the Agricultural Sector.
Regarding trade, Chapman maintained that the growth encompasses companies of different sizes and activities. “Our trade grew 11.6%. From the corner family store to the Colón Free Zone. Same quarter, same economy, same country,” he stated. The agricultural sector also registered an increase of 9.6%, a result that the head of the MEF linked to the work of Panamanian producers. “The effort of our people made the agricultural sector grow by 9.6%. That wasn’t done by a decree. It was done by Panamanian hands,” he stated. Chapman attributed the behavior of the economy to the performance of workers and the productive sector, with emphasis on domestic activity.
“This economic awakening is being built by all Panamanians with their effort and dedication: those who open their businesses early, those who drive trucks, those who work the land. And it is being driven by the internal economy: commerce, transportation, and agriculture,” he said.
The minister stated that the figures for the second quarter represent a starting point and not a goal achieved, and maintained that growth must translate into benefits for Panamanian families. “Panama is moving forward through hard work. The 6.4% growth rate is not a goal achieved. It is a sign that we are regaining momentum. My responsibility as Minister is to ensure that this growth translates into tangible benefits for everyone: more jobs, more opportunities, and greater peace of mind for families. Because Panama’s growth is due to the efforts of its people,” he concluded.
Chapman highlighted that the economy accumulated a growth of 5.5% during the first half of 2026, while noting that the performance recorded between April and June responded to the behavior of different sectors of economic activity.
