More information about Panama is available on the Panama Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-PANAMA RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Panama in 1903 following its separation from Colombia. That year, through the Hay/Bunau-Varilla Treaty, Panama granted the United States rights to a zone spanning the country to build, administer, fortify, and defend an inter-oceanic canal. The Panama Canal opened in 1914. In 1977, the United States and Panama signed the Carter-Torrijos Treaties to set basic governing standards for the Canal through 1999 and guarantee its permanent neutrality. These treaties went into effect in 1979, and on December 31, 1999, Panama assumed full jurisdiction and operational control over the Canal.
Changes in Panama’s government and tensions over the Canal led to the interruption of diplomatic relations several times during the 20th century. From 1987-1989, relations deteriorated sharply under the rule of Manuel Noriega. During Operation Just Cause in 1989, U.S. troops entered Panama and captured Noriega, who would not cede power following elections. Since the restoration of democracy, Panamanians have elected seven presidents from three political parties in free and fair elections.
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.
U.S. Assistance to Panama
U.S. assistance to Panama aims to ensure Panama 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, as well as promoting economic, democratic, and social development through U.S. and international agencies.
U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Roots Causes of Migration in Central America
The U.S. Strategy for Addressing the Roots Causes of Migration in Central America (RCS) guides U.S. diplomatic efforts and foreign assistance in the region. RCS is a bipartisan, multiyear U.S. government plan covering all seven Central American countries (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama). RCS aims to secure U.S. borders and protect American citizens by addressing the security, governance, and economic drivers of illegal immigration and transnational crime, while increasing opportunities for U.S. and other businesses. RCS focuses on five pillars: Pillar I: Addressing economic insecurity and inequality; Pillar II: Combating corruption, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the rule of law; Pillar III: Promoting respect for human rights, labor rights, and free press; Pillar IV: Countering and preventing violence, extortion, and other crimes perpetrated by criminal gangs, trafficking networks, and other organized criminal organizations; and Pillar V: Combating sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States and Panama have signed a bilateral investment treaty and a Trade Promotion Agreement. The trade agreement significantly reduces or eliminates 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. U.S. exports to Panama include oil, machinery, aircraft, agricultural products and consumer goods, and account for 25% of all goods and services imported by Panama. U.S. imports from Panama include fish and seafood, precious metals, cane sugar, bananas, and pineapples. In addition to bilateral trade, Panama as a transshipment hub facilitates trade for all Western Hemisphere economies, including the United States, which account for an important service-based economy in the country. The expansion of the Panama Canal in 2016, which permits larger “New Panamax” ships to transit, has provided substantial benefits to
Panama and many U.S. East Coast ports. The United States is the number-one user of the Canal, with 72 percent of all transits heading to or from U.S. ports. In 2021, trade in goods between the United States and Panama totaled $8.8 billion dollars. The United States is the largest source of incoming foreign direct investment in Panama, with a direct investment position of $3.5 billion in 2021. The energy and infrastructure, finance and 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.
Panama’s Membership in International Organizations
Panama and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, Organization of American States, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, International Civil Aviation Organization, International Maritime Organization, and World Trade Organization.
Panama will take up leadership of the Regional Conference on Migration (RCM) as President Pro Tempore in December 2022. The Regional Conference on Migration is an eleven-member consultative mechanism to coordinate regional migration policies. RCM member countries commit to addressing issues of international migration in a multilateral context that respects orderly movements and human rights. The RCM is voluntary and non-binding and operates by consensus. It provides a space for respectful, frank, and honest discussions among member Countries on regional and international migration, ensuring greater coordination, transparency, and cooperation.
Bilateral Representation Principal U.S. embassy officials are listed in the Department’s Key Officers List.
Panama maintains an embassy in the United States at 2862 McGill Terrace, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel: 202-483-1407).
More information about Panama is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
CIA World Factbook Panama Page
U.S. Embassy
USAID Panama Page
History of U.S. Relations With Panama
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel Information