Panama’s Import Performance in June 2025: U.S. and China Lead, Congo Surges

Publishing Date：2025-07-30 00:24:43 Source: NBD Data(en.nbd.ltd)

Panama imported goods worth $1.23 billion in June 2025, reflecting a 4.82% decline from May’s total of $1.29 billion. The number of records filed reached 145,966, and 5,400 domestic importers were active during the period. This moderate month-on-month contraction indicates shifting demand patterns and possible seasonality effects across several key sectors.

Over the past six months, Panama’s import value has fluctuated between $1.16 billion and $1.29 billion. January 2025 started strong at $1.26 billion, followed by minor volatility through April. May marked the highest value in the half-year window before June’s decline. The number of domestic importers remained stable, peaking in May with 5,452 active companies. Record volumes followed a similar trajectory, aligning closely with total trade activity.

The United States remained Panama’s top trading partner in June, contributing $205 million to the import total. This trade involved 1,840 Panamanian importers and 2,929 U.S. suppliers, with goods spanning 2,276 categories. The U.S. continues to serve as Panama’s key source of industrial, technological, and agricultural products.

Close behind was China, with $199 million in imports. 1,927 local buyers sourced from 3,179 Chinese exporters, covering 2,025 product types. This reflects China’s strength in consumer goods, electronics, and intermediate inputs.

Mexico took third position at $55 million, with a balanced ecosystem of 485 Panamanian importers and 793 Mexican suppliers, indicating strong regional ties and cost-efficient logistics. Costa Rica followed with $41 million, backed by 308 Panamanian companies trading with 393 Costa Rican partners across 400 goods—a testament to Central American intra-regional trade.

Colombia, Spain, Japan, Brazil, and Guatemala rounded out the top ten. Collectively, these partners added significant diversity, contributing both high-tech goods and essential commodities. Their combined presence underscores Panama’s multi-sourced procurement strategy.

Among the fastest-growing sources of imports, Congo surged an astonishing 29,033.63%, albeit from a low base, reaching $8,524 in June. Luxembourg followed with a 2,016.73% increase, hitting $124,941. Serbia, Moldova, and Zaire all posted triple-digit percentage gains. While these countries contribute marginally in absolute terms, such spikes often signal emerging trade lanes or one-time strategic deliveries.

On the product side, the top-performing categories showed impressive growth. Leading the charge was HS 100119 [wheat and meslin (excluding seed)], which surged 92.11% to $9.79 million. Key buyers included HARINAS DEL ISTMO S.A., GOLD MILLS DE PANAMA S A, and HARINERA ORO DEL NORTE.

HS 230990 [non-retail dog/cat food] rose 72.13% to $10.46 million, led by EL ROBLE DEL RIO, S.A. and others.

HS 854449 [low-voltage electric conductors] gained 51.91%, with major players including VIAKABLE PANAMA, S.A..

HS 870333 [diesel vehicles over 2500cc]and HS 230400 [soybean oilcake and residues] grew 23.40% and 22.46%, respectively, reflecting demand in Panama’s transportation and livestock sectors.

In conclusion, Panama’s import activity in June 2025 displayed mild contraction in value yet vibrant diversification across suppliers and products. The United States and China continue to dominate the landscape, while explosive growth from smaller economies signals emerging patterns worth monitoring. Agricultural goods, pet nutrition, and electric components drove product-level momentum, pointing to sustained consumption and infrastructure investment. Looking ahead, these dynamics position Panama for adaptive sourcing in a changing global trade environment.

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