Panama's Port Traffic Surges by 3.6% in 2025, Reaching 9.9 Million TEUs

Panama Reports Robust Growth in Container Traffic

Panama's port system experienced a notable surge in container traffic during 2025, with an overall increase of 3.6 percent compared to the previous year. Preliminary data released by the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) indicates that the country's ports collectively handled approximately 9.9 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) containers, specifically 9,915,357 TEUs. This growth solidifies Panama's position as a crucial nexus in international maritime trade.

Individual Port Performance Highlights

The overall increase was driven by strong performances across several of Panama's key port terminals. The SSA Marine Manzanillo International Terminal, located on Panama's Atlantic coast, emerged as the busiest, processing over 2.86 million TEUs and recording a 5.5 percent increase from 2024. Following closely, the Balboa terminal on the Pacific side, operated by Panama Ports Company (PPC), handled approximately 2.67 million TEUs, marking a 1.8 percent rise. The Colon Container Terminal (CCT) on the Atlantic side, managed by Taiwan's Evergreen Group, demonstrated the most significant growth among major facilities, with a 10.2 percent increase to 1.73 million TEUs. Additionally, PPC's Cristobal terminal saw a 9.4 percent increase, moving 1.21 million TEUs.

However, not all terminals experienced growth. The PSA Panama International Terminal (Port of Rodman) recorded a 2.1 percent decrease, handling over 1.35 million TEUs. A more substantial decline was observed at Bocas Fruit Co. (Port of Almirante), which saw a 53.1 percent drop to 75,419 TEUs, attributed to a strike and the suspension of banana export operations by Chiquita Panamá.

Panama Canal's Broader Maritime Context

The robust port traffic figures are intrinsically linked to the strategic importance of the Panama Canal, which serves as a vital conduit connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In the first five months of 2025, the Panama Canal itself registered record-breaking container ship transits, particularly driven by Neo Sub-Panamax vessels. This recovery in canal traffic follows a challenging period in late 2023 and early 2024 due to severe drought conditions, with water levels in Gatun and Alajuela Lakes improving in 2025, allowing for a return to near-normal operations.

The increase in traffic through Panama's ports and the Canal also comes amidst shifts in global shipping patterns. The Suez Canal, a key competitor, experienced a decline in traffic during the same period due to geopolitical instability and the Red Sea crisis, potentially diverting some maritime trade towards the Panamanian route.

Panama's Enduring Role as a Global Logistics Hub

Panama's consistent growth in container traffic underscores its critical role as a transshipment hub and a strategic point for the redistribution of equipment in the region. The country's geographical advantage, coupled with significant investments in port infrastructure and the presence of major global terminal operators, has fostered its development into a comprehensive logistics platform. This enables Panama to facilitate efficient trade between key markets, contributing to reduced shipping costs and enhanced supply chain optimization globally.