Key Facts

—The drop. New bank lending in Panama fell 7.1%, or $783.6 million, in the first five months of 2026.

—The total. Banks disbursed $10,289.7 million, down from $11,073.3 million a year earlier.

—The weak spot. New construction lending fell 24.4%, to $631.5 million, the sharpest sector drop.

—The cause. A revamped mortgage-subsidy law and an expired tax break hit home finance.