The president of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the Republic of Panama (Fedecámaras), Alicia Jiménez, warned about the negative impact of the recent imposition of a 10% tariff by the United States on Panamanian products amid a fragile national economic situation in the process of recovery.
According to Jiménez, this measure adds to the structural problems and the historical trade deficit of Panama, highlighting the need to protect local producers and rethink the country’s economic model. The trade balance with the United States remains largely negative, which compromises the economic well-being of future generations, pointed out the president of Fedecámaras.
She emphasized the importance of acting with economic dignity, protecting local productive sectors, and promoting growth based on national production to ensure sustainable development. Jiménez called for a review of Panama's foreign trade strategy and to strengthen the defense of national interests against external impositions.
The union leader expressed the need to establish reciprocal measures in response to the tariff imposed by the United States, suggesting the application of a 10% tariff on American products entering the country to balance prices and protect the local market. She reminded that this decision affects the spirit of the Trade Promotion Agreement between Panama and the United States, which sought to establish a more equitable exchange through gradual tariff reductions.
Jiménez warned about the consequences of maintaining massive imports to the detriment of national production, especially for small and medium-sized producers, stressing the importance of strengthening the country’s economic sovereignty and promoting fair conditions for internal competition.
