Panama’s ports handled 9.9 million TEUs in 2025, marking a 3.6% increase from the previous year, according to figures released Friday by the country’s Maritime Authority.

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The growth underscores Panama’s continued importance as a global logistics hub, supported by its ports’ close integration with the Panama Canal, a critical artery linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Traffic gains were led by the SSA Marine Manzanillo International Terminal on the Atlantic coast, which processed 2.9 million TEUs, up 5% year over year. Panama Ports Company (PPC) also reported higher volumes, with its Balboa terminal handling 2.7 million TEUs, a 2% increase, while Cristobal terminal posted a strong 9% rise to 1.2 million TEUs.

The Colon Container Terminal recorded the fastest growth, with throughput jumping 10% to 1.7 million TEUs compared with 2024.

Panama International Terminal was the only facility to see a decline, moving 1.4 million TEUs, down 2% from the prior year.

In addition to higher overall volumes, port authorities highlighted an increase in the repositioning of empty containers. “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.