Importers blocked roads in front of Merca Panama this morning after the administration prevented them from entering on Wednesday with more than 30 containers of onions, citing regulations that prohibit the handling and processing of this product within the facility when there is sufficient domestic production. The situation sparked protests from tenants and importers. Meanwhile, Merca Panama administrator José Pablo Ramos explained that the decision is strictly in compliance with the law. "We cannot go against the regulations," he stated. He indicated that importers can move the product to other authorized points outside the facility for handling and marketing. Importers temporarily closed access to Merca Panama, demanding a review of Law 35 and solutions to prevent product loss and economic impacts, while the administration reiterated that it will maintain strict compliance with the current legal framework. "There is currently no shortage of onions, and we must protect the national producer," he affirmed. Those affected emphasized that the containers, registered under the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) between Panama and the United States, carry a perishable product that risks spoiling if not handled promptly. Each container would have an approximate value of between $20,000 and $30,000, representing potential losses exceeding $900,000 in merchandise. Ramos noted that while the import of onions has been authorized, the law prohibits its processing within Merca Panama precisely to avoid harming national producers.
