Key facts
- Panama Canal Authority proposes $5.56 billion in revenue for FY2027.
- Direct contributions to the national treasury are projected at $3.61 billion for FY2027.
- The budget anticipates 10,750 high-draft vessel transits.
- Investment spending is set at $341.3 million for capital projects.
- The Rio Indio lake project has $82 million in planned spending.
The Panama Canal Authority has presented a budget proposal to the Cabinet projecting $5.56 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2027, with $3.61 billion slated for direct contribution to the national treasury. This represents an increase of $414 million from the $3.19 billion approved for fiscal year 2026.
The waterway anticipates 10,750 high-draft vessel transits during the period beginning in October, despite potential challenges from water conditions and an El Niño phenomenon. Combined with other state payments, total transfers to the government are expected to reach $3.94 billion.
Investment spending for the fiscal year is budgeted at $341.3 million, covering capital projects and strategic development. A significant portion, $82 million, is allocated to the Rio Indio lake project, a water-management initiative that will see initial resettlements and construction design tenders begin. The toll structure remains unchanged for FY2027, though the per-net-ton fee will rise from $1.00 to $1.75.
The proposal will now move to Panama's National Assembly for consideration.