Panama: Food Price Controls Established After Month of Protests

In response to widespread protests and road closures, in recent days, Panama established a series of price ceilings, profit margin controls, and subsidies that affect consumers goods. These include ceiling on the gross profit margin on 11 imported food products; retail price cap for 18 food products (imported and local); as well as subsidies for 36 locally produced food products, considered necessary for consumers, reflecting complaints that Panamanians could no longer afford basic goods. These measures have been established for a period of 6 months (extendable), with the objective of addressing social unrest.