This Selected Issues paper assesses risks in the Panamanian banking sector. The analysis suggests that Panama's banking system seems able to withstand reasonably severe shocks, while contagion risks stem primarily from foreign banks. Ample starting capital buffers and bank profitability prevent...

KEY ISSUES Background. Panama’s economic performance remains buoyant. Real GDP growth slowed to 8.4 percent in 2013, after the strong expansion in 2011–12, and is projected at above 7 percent in 2014. Inflation is declining, though it is resilient and still higher than in major trading...

Panama’s per capita GDP has doubled, driven by a steady rise in public and private investment underpinned by a stable macroeconomic environment and prudent policies. Easy credit and fiscal conditions should continue to support public and private consumption. Further fiscal restraint through...

Panama’s extensive trade and financial linkages make it vulnerable to adverse external shocks, and this would have a sizable impact on Panama’s real activity. In the absence of monetary policy, macroprudential policy tools could usefully complement microprudential tools. A macroprudential...

GDP growth in 2023 was strong (7.3 percent), exceeding expectations for the third year in a row since the downturn in 2020. Unemployment is near pre-crisis levels while inflation has moderated. Government bond spreads increased in the second half of 2023 as markets became concerned that failure...

This Selected Issues paper presents the main features and weaknesses of the current Panamanian tax system and provides an international comparison of its performance. Panama's macroeconomic performance has been notably robust. Panama's macroeconomic performance has been notably robust, but...

This 2022 Article IV Consultation discusses that in the decade-and-half preceding the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, an unprecedented construction and investment boom precipitated a rapid economic expansion in Panama. The Panama Canal and Tocumen Airport were expanded, there was large scale...

Despite continuing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and new risks emanating from global uncertainties, a combination of sound policy measures and a resolute vaccination program have supported a gradual return to normality and underpin a rebound in economic activities. External imbalances...