In 2026, Panama and the United States will complete the tariff liberalization schedules under the Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA), which has been in effect since 2012. This will lead to unlimited market access for several sensitive agricultural products, such as fluid milk, yogurt, pork, corn, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and others. Panamanian authorities are considering activating the Agricultural Review Commission to protect its domestic producers. Minister of Commerce and Industry Julio Moltó announced that a decision on this matter will be made in January 2026 following consultations with the technical team and U.S. representatives. He stated that this effort is being carried out together with the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enable Panamanian producers to place their products beyond the local market. International trade expert Leroy Sheffer emphasized that Panama's main opportunity lies not just in increasing export volumes but in generating added value and integrating into global supply chains. He also noted that Panama's association with Mercosur opens up new spaces for strategic alliances and the development of high-demand goods and services in the region. The minister added that the government is also working in parallel to open up new markets, such as those in the Caribbean and Central America. The agreement's schedule stipulates that in 2027, whole milk powder, cheddar cheese, and ice cream will face no restrictions; in 2028, skim milk powder and other cheeses will follow; in 2029, chicken leg quarters; and in 2031, both paddy and milled rice. Moltó explained that the Agricultural Review Commission is a mechanism provided for in the agreement to evaluate the evolution of agricultural trade and to discuss timetables and safeguard measures.
