General Information

Due to its geographical position, the country holds a leading world ranking in maritime transport, logistics and port services, followed by a robust international financial center with assets of over US$120 billion.
(Sources: IMO, Superintendency of Banks of Panama)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) % of regional GDP GDP per head

USD 65,267

millions

1.2%

 

USD 15,540

 

Economic Statistics (years 2015 - forecast 2020)

National Accounts 2015 2016 2017 2018 f.2019 f.2020
             
GDP growth (%) 5.7% 5.0% 5.3% 3.7% 5.2% 5.5%
Nominal GDP (USD millions) 52,132 57,821 61,838 65,267 68,246 71,251
GDP per Head (USD) 13,033 14,455 15,082 15,540 16,249 16,570
Inflation (%) 0.3% 1.5% 0.5% 0.2% 2.1% 0.9%
Fiscal Balance (% GDP) -2.3% -1.9% -1.9% -2.0% -1.9% -1.8%
General Govt. gross debt (% GDP) 39.1% 37.4% 37.9% 38.2% 38.9% 38.7%
   

Trade Statistics

 

Foreign Trade - Composition        
           
Exports     Imports    
           
By countries     By countries  
US 17.9%   US   24.4%
Holanda 17.3%   China   10.1%
China 7.5%   Mexico   4.9%
India 6.1%   Costa Rica    3.4%
           
By products     By products  
Manufactures 92.5%   Manufactures 90.6%
Agricultural products 6.8%   Agricultural products 7.0%
Fuels and mining prod. 0.6%   Fuels and mining prod. 1.5%
   
Balance of Payments (USD millions) 2015 2016 2017 2018 f.2019 f.2020
             
Exports of Goods 14,209 12,933 13,822 14,753 16,336 17,562
Exports growth (%) -15.6% -9.0% 6.9% 6.7% 10.7% 7.5%
Imports of Goods 22,542 20,694 22,293 23,963 23,433 24,056
Imports growth (%) -12.6% -8.2% 7.7% 7.5% -2.2% 2.7%
Foreign Trade (% GDP) 70% 58% 58% 59% 58% 58%
             
Current Account Balance -4,848 -4,634 -4,941 -5,067 -4,127 -2,823
% GDP -9.3% -8.0% -8.0% -7.8% -6.0% -4.0%
Foreign Direct Investment 5,119 5,585 4,826 6,578 6,200 5,200
% GDP 9.8% 9.7% 7.8% 10.1% 9.1% 7.3%
   

Disclaimer

This presentation has been prepared by Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (“BLADEX”) for information purposes only.

Although the information contained in this presentation has been obtained from sources which BLADEX believes to be reliable, it has not been independently verified and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made and no responsibility is or will be accepted by BLADEX as to or in relation to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any such information.

 The information and opinions contained in this presentation are not intended to be the sole basis upon determinations as to the advisability of any transaction contemplated herein. Accordingly, recipient(s) hereof should make their own judgment and assessment of the information contained in this presentation. Any views expressed herein reflect the judgment of BLADEX as of the date of this presentation and may be subject to change without notice whether or not BLADEX becomes aware of any information, or whether specific to a transaction or in general (including changes in prevailing capital markets conditions), which may have a material impact on any such views. BLADEX will not be responsible for any consequences resulting from the use of this presentation or reliance upon any view or statement contained herein or for any omission.

This presentation may not be reproduced (in whole or in part) or summarized or distributed without the prior written permission of BLADEX.

BLADEX does not provide any tax, legal, economic or accounting advice and you should seek independent professional advice as appropriate. Accordingly, any discussions of tax, legal, economic or accounting matters contained in this presentation (including any attachments) are not written or intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under any applicable laws or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.