Panama Canal

- El Niño causes economic divergence in Latin America, impacting countries differently based on their proximity to the Pacific Ocean; the Panama Canal auctions 558 slots for dry season shipping in November to mitigate cargo losses caused by El Niño effects; and Panama activates an $8.2 million plan to assist farmers affected by drought and floods due to El Niño in specific regions. - The Panama Canal anticipates over 220 cruise transits by May, up from last year, forecasting a strong season for US-based cruise lines. - Maritime traffic through the Strait of Magellan increased by over 70% due to drought-induced restrictions at the Panama Canal. - Singapore joins 41 states in a treaty ensuring open passage through the Panama Canal, committing to canal neutrality.

Recent headlines

• Panama Moves to Deregister 3 US-Sanctioned Tankers — rio_times
• EU removes Panama from tax haven blacklist — scmp
• Panama Arrests Former Social Security Head in 5 Raids — rio_times
• Panama Canal Will Auction 558 Slots for Dry Season — rio_times
• Ships Take Long Way Around as Drought Snarls Panama Canal — gcaptain