Browse Data and Analysis

Panama recognizes the certificates and standards of the U.S. regulatory and sanitary inspection system, based on the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, simplifying requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products. Panama is accepting the electronic export certificates issued by APHIS and FSIS; and the sanitary and free sale certificates issued by NOAA, FDA and Enterprise Florida, Inc. for food products exported to Panama.

New changes to Panama's import requirements reflected in this report are for fresh potatoes, poultry products, and sanitary registrations for pet food, raw materials, ingredients and additives. Consumers continue to perceive U.S. food products as high quality, wholesome and reliable, which has resulted in continuous growth in demand.

This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business with the Food Processing industry in Panama. It is primarily a service-based economy, but food processing is one of its top industries.

As the 14th largest export destination, the United Kingdom (UK) has been an important and growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Shared heritage and cultural ties have continued to bolster U.S.-UK trade. The United States is the second largest UK agricultural supplier, behind the European Union (EU). The market presents many opportunities for intermediate and consumer-oriented products.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, U.S. export health certificates are now required to either follow the Great Britain model (for destinations within England, Scotland, or Wales) or the European Union health certificate model if shipping to Northern Ireland.

U.S. agriculture exports to Panama in 2021 surpassed historic records. Several categories of consumer-oriented products saw impressive growth, making Panama the 23rd largest market for U.S. exports of these products.

Consumers continue to perceive U.S. food products as high quality, wholesome and reliable, which has resulted in a continuous growth in demand. The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on October 31, 2012, and the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, established simplified requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products.

The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on October 31, 2012, and the United States – Panama Agreement regarding certain sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical standards affecting trade in agricultural products, of December 20, 2006, established simplified requirements for the importation of U.S. food and feed products.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU), Great Britain (GB) is now outside of the EU single market and customs union, while Northern Ireland (NI) remains within the EU single market and customs union.

UK demand for plant-based meat and dairy alternatives has boomed in recent years, doubling in value from 2016 to 2020 to around $1.6 billion at retail. Plant-based foods tend to sell strongest among young and urban consumers who believe eating less meat is healthier and more sustainable for the environment.

The United Kingdom (UK) is currently experiencing a significant outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Having entered the UK via the wild migratory bird population in October 2021, it has now spread to commercial poultry flocks.

This report provides information to U.S. exporters of agricultural and related products on how to do business in Panama. Panama is an attractive market for exporting U.S. agricultural food products. Its culturally diverse population, geographical location, and love for American food and culture support export opportunities for U.S. high value food and beverage products.