Panama: Economic Activity Grows to 5.7% - August 2017

Posted on 2017-10-31

From a report by the Comptroller General of the Republic:

The Monthly Index of Economic Activity (IMAE) in the Republic, for the accumulated period of January - August 2017, grew by 5.73%, compared to the same period in 2016.

Through its level of representation, it was observed that the categories of economic activity that showed the highest level of growth were: transport, storage and communications (including canal, ports and aviation), construction, electricity and water and mining and quarrying. The categories that had a favorable impact, but at a slower rate, were the manufacturing industry, public administration, private education, financial intermediation, legal and real estate services and community activities (including casinos).  

Activities with a slight growth in the period were the hotels and restaurants, trade and agricultural activities. On the other hand, fishing registered a decrease.

The monthly inter-annual variation of August 2017, compared to 2016, was 4.90%.  Commercial activities, one of the most important in the economy, was mainly driven by demand for local wholesale trade and re-exports from the Colon Free Zone. 

Source: Central America Data