PANAMA CITY, Jan 16 – In 2025, port traffic in Panama increased by 3.6%, reaching 9.9 million TEU containers compared to the previous year, according to the country's Maritime Authority.

The ports in this Central American nation are vital as they link to the Panama Canal, an important route connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and a crucial part of the global trade network.

• The SSA Marine Manzanillo International Terminal on Panama's Atlantic coast managed 2.9 million TEUs, marking a 5% increase from 2024.

• The Balboa terminal, run by Panama Ports Company (PPC), handled 2.7 million TEUs, which is a 2% rise, while the Cristobal terminal experienced a 9% increase, moving 1.2 million TEUs.

• The Colon Container Terminal saw the most significant growth last year, processing 1.7 million TEUs, a 10% jump from 2024.

• Panama International Terminal transported 1.4 million TEUs, down 2% from 2024, making it the only port to report a decline in traffic, according to Maritime Authorities.

• “We also noticed a rise in the repositioning of empty containers, highlighting the role of the Panamanian hub as a key point for redistributing equipment in the region,” stated Max Florez, the general director of ports and associated maritime industries.