Economy · Panama

—The stakes. Panama’s economy depends on canal revenue just as drought-driven transit cuts return.

—The date. September 4, 2026 marks the first cap of 34 daily vessels before a cut to 32 on September 15.

—The recovery. The canal posted record revenues of 4,802 million US dollars in the first nine months of fiscal 2026.

—The pressure. Draft limits for Neopanamax ships stand at 48 feet after the canal authority postponed a deeper cut.