Panama's export growth in 2024: bananas, watermelons, and pineapples lead the way

In 2024, Panama has seen a 7% growth in exports from January to date compared to the same timeframe in 2023. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) projects that total exports could exceed $1.25 billion by year-end, reflecting a 5% increase from the prior year. Eric Dormoi, MICI’s National Director of Export Promotion, emphasized the positive effects of diversification and value-added strategies in boosting Panama’s export performance.

Bananas remain a major export product, with key destinations including the United States, the Netherlands, and several Asian countries. Additionally, the Caribbean market is showing growing interest in Panama’s industrial and agro-industrial goods.

Ricardo García Salas, head of Panama’s Non-Traditional Agro-Exporters Group (Gantrap), highlighted watermelon as the leading non-traditional export, followed by pineapple, squash, melon, and papaya. Other products like ginger and cassava also contribute to Panama’s export range, though in smaller volumes.

source: newsroompanama.com

photo: theweek.com