• 2 min de lectura
• 2 min de lectura
The ports of Balboa and Cristóbal are beginning to show a positive recovery after the decline recorded in February 2026, when the government took control of both terminals following the Supreme Court's ruling, which affected the concession of the former operator Panama Ports Company.
Although the impact extended until March, the month in which both ports had their lowest levels, data from April and May show a clear upward trend. Balboa went from 153,840 container movements in March to 221,536 in May, representing a 44.0% rebound from its lowest point. Furthermore, its May 2026 volume exceeded that recorded in May 2025 by 1.9%.
Cristóbal also shows significant improvement. After falling to 46,408 movements in March, it rose to 71,096 in May, equivalent to a 53.2% increase from its recent low. Although it still remains below last year's levels, the trend in April and May points to a gradual recovery.
"The recovery in volumes is a direct reflection of the commitment and capability of Panamanian workers," explained Max Florez, acting deputy administrator of the AMP.
Balboa already shows a more advanced recovery, while Cristóbal is starting to gain momentum, reflecting positive signs for the normalization of port activity at both ends of the Panama Canal.
