Panama’s ports handled a combined 9.9 million TEUs in 2025, representing a 3.6% year-on-year increase, according to figures released on Friday by the Panama Maritime Authority. The growth highlights the country’s continued role as a key global logistics hub, underpinned by the close integration of its port system with the Panama Canal, a vital link between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Container traffic growth was led by SSA Marine Manzanillo International Terminal on the Atlantic coast, which processed 2.9 million TEUs, up 5% compared with 2024. Panama Ports Company (PPC) also reported higher volumes, with its Balboa terminal handling 2.7 million TEUs, a 2% increase year on year, while the Cristobal terminal recorded a strong 9% rise to 1.2 million TEUs.
The Colon Container Terminal posted the fastest growth among Panama’s ports, with throughput surging 10% to 1.7 million TEUs compared with the previous year.
Panama International Terminal was the only facility to report a decline, handling 1.4 million TEUs, down 2% from 2024.
Beyond overall volume growth, port authorities pointed to a notable increase in the repositioning of empty containers, reflecting Panama’s growing role in regional equipment management. “This reaffirms the importance of the Panamanian hub as a strategic point for the redistribution of equipment in the region,” said Max Florez, general director of ports and auxiliary maritime industries.
The latest figures underscore Panama’s resilience and strategic relevance in global container shipping, even amid shifting trade patterns and ongoing volatility in international supply chains.
