HomeCountries & Areas…Panama hide Panama Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Panama U.S.-Panama Relations U.S. Assistance to Panama Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Panama Relations The United States established diplomatic relations with Panama in 1903 following its declaration of independence from Colombia. Panama’s location and role in global trade make its success vital to U.S. prosperity and national security. Panama’s key location along major land and sea transit routes makes it a critical partner in the interdiction of illegal drugs destined for the United States. The United States established diplomatic relations with Panama in 1903 following its declaration of independence from Colombia. Panama’s location and role in global trade make its success vital to U.S. prosperity and national security. Panama’s key location along major land and sea transit routes makes it a critical partner in the interdiction of illegal drugs destined for the United States. While Panama’s economic growth rate is among the highest in the hemisphere, the country faces the challenge of making this growth more inclusive. It also faces added pressure for more fiscal transparency as it enforces recent anti-money laundering legislation. Increasing pressure from drug trafficking and organized criminal activity – including migrant smugglers – contributes to security problems that threaten to undermine Panamanian security, democratic institutions, and economic prosperity. Because of our shared history, cultural ties between both countries are strong. Collapse U.S.-Panama Relations Read more about U.S.-Panama Relations U.S. Assistance to Panama U.S. assistance to Panama aims to ensure that it remains a secure, prosperous, and democratic country that continues to work with the United States as its principal partner in the region. The United States and Panama work together to advance common interests in improving citizen safety and strengthening the rule of law. They cooperate in many ways, including combating illegal U.S. assistance to Panama aims to ensure that it remains a secure, prosperous, and democratic country that continues to work with the United States as its principal partner in the region. The United States and Panama work together to advance common interests in improving citizen safety and strengthening the rule of law. They cooperate in many ways, including combating illegal drug trafficking and other criminal activity and promoting economic, democratic, and social development through U.S. and international agencies. Collapse U.S. Assistance to Panama Read more about U.S. Assistance to Panama Bilateral Economic Relations The United States and Panama have signed a bilateral investment treaty and a Trade Promotion Agreement. The trade agreement eliminated tariffs and other barriers to U.S. exports, promotes economic growth, sets high standards for the treatment of investments, provides a framework for resolution of investment or trade disputes, and expands trade between the two countries. In 2016, Panama inaugurated the The United States and Panama have signed a bilateral investment treaty and a Trade Promotion Agreement. The trade agreement eliminated tariffs and other barriers to U.S. exports, promotes economic growth, sets high standards for the treatment of investments, provides a framework for resolution of investment or trade disputes, and expands trade between the two countries. In 2016, Panama inaugurated the expansion of the Panama Canal which has provided substantial benefits to Panama and many U.S. East-coast ports. U.S. exports to Panama include oil, machinery, aircraft, agricultural products, and low-value shipments. U.S. imports from Panama include fish and seafood, gold, cane sugar, and bananas and pineapples. The finance/insurance and wholesale trade sectors lead U.S. direct investment in Panama while the manufacturing and real estate sectors lead Panamanian direct investment in the United States. Collapse Bilateral Economic Relations Read more about Bilateral Economic Relations Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Fiscal Transparency Report The Fiscal Transparency Report analyzes government transparency and identifies needed changes to improve public spending accountability. View Fiscal Transparency Report Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications COVID-19 Vaccine Deliveries Since July, 2021 the United States has donated 503,100 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Panama. This includes 503,100 Pfizer doses. Of the 503,100 vaccine doses, 100% were donated through bilateral agreements. The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to meet global needs. The United States is working with other governments and partners including COVAX, Caricom, and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to protect communities from COVID-19 and apply lessons from this pandemic to enhance health security now and in the future. Learn more about our work Delivering Vaccines and on COVID-19 Recovery. More Vaccine Deliveries Highlights March 12, 2024 Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas Advances Through a Second Annual High-level Meeting in the Dominican Republic March 12, 2024 Economic and Health Dialogue of the Americas High-level Meeting Outcomes for 2024 March 10, 2024 Under Secretary Fernandez’s Travel to the Dominican Republic March 4, 2024 Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption Richard Nephew’s Travel to Panama February 29, 2024 Panama City, Panama: International School of Panama: 2024 Special Needs Profile VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Panama