LatinNews Daily - 27 August 2025

*Panama’s government led by President José Raúl Mulino has approved a resolution authorising the trade and industry ministry (Mici) to “carry out all necessary coordination” with Chiquita Panamá, the local subsidiary of multinational banana company Chiquita Brands, in order to “facilitate and ensure the necessary efforts” to relaunch banana sector activity in Bocas del Toro province. According to a government press release, this authorises Mici to sign agreements necessary for the resumption of operations and to establish mechanisms to monitor and facilitate the effective implementation of commitments reached. The announcement comes as Chiquita has ceased activity in Bocas del Toro and laid off over 6,000 workers due to the strike earlier this year by banana workers amid more general protests over new reforms to the social security system, among other issues. Bananas remain Panama’s leading export and the suspension of activity has had an impact on the country’s economy. Last month Mici released figures showing that, while bananas remain the country’s leading export, the category accounted for 12.0% of total exports in the January-May 2025, down from 17.5% previously.

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