Exportation

APEX predicts a 10% growth in Panamanian exports, excluding copper, in 2025.

Panama’s main export products include bananas, shrimp, fish, coffee, rum, and teak wood, among others, which have found strategic markets in the United States, the Netherlands, Taiwan, India, and China.   National goods exports (excluding copper) totaled $1.3 billion at the end of 2024, reflecting an estimated 10% growth compared to the previous year (2023). This dynamic is expected to continue in 2025 despite international economic challenges.   This was stated yesterday by the President of the Board of Directors of the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX), Bianca Morán, during the inauguration ceremony for the 2025-2026 term. “This year (2025) is very challenging because the world is facing an economic recession, but all exporters are committed to growth. Last year, we grew by 10% without copper, and this year we aim to maintain that growth rate,” estimated Morán.   She emphasized that these figures position Panama as a resilient and constantly evolving country. However, she acknowledged that while significant, Panama’s export numbers remain “modest” compared to other countries in the region, where monthly export volumes surpass Panama’s annual totals.   “We have been a success story in the export of services, leading the way and becoming the envy of the region. Now, let’s bet on goods to produce high-quality products and improve the distribution of wealth in our country,” Morán emphasized during the APEX board inauguration.   At the same time, she highlighted that despite certain limitations, Panama has made remarkable progress in recent years in key sectors such as fishing and agro-industry, which have shown significant growth.   She detailed that in the past three years, the fishing sector increased its share of national exports from 13% in 2021 to 25% in 2024, while the agro-industrial sector grew its share from 17% to 26% over the same period.   “These figures reflect Panama’s potential to diversify and strengthen its export offerings without copper,” Morán stated while breaking down the main export products and their key markets.   According to Morán, the main export products include bananas, shrimp, fish, coffee, rum, and teak wood, among others, which have found strategic markets in countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, Taiwan, India, and China.   However, “we still rely too heavily on basic products, and we must move towards exporting goods with higher added value and differentiation, as demonstrated by successful examples in medicines, detergents, personalized liquors, and specialized packaging,” Morán expressed.   Employment Driver   Exports are also a key driver of employment. Currently, they contribute to more than 100,000 jobs nationwide, although there are 24,000 fewer salaried workers compared to 2012, and informality is on the rise.   “The export sector not only drives the economy but also generates well-being in our communities. We are convinced that by working together, with a government that fosters private enterprise, supports innovation, and acts as a facilitator, we will achieve our goal: to establish Panama as a leader in sustainable and high-quality exports,” emphasized Morán.   Bianca MoránPresident of the Board of Directors of APEX “This year (2025) is very challenging because it is a year of global economic recession, but all exporters have the goal of growing. Last year we grew by 10% without copper, and this year we expect to maintain that growth rate (10% without copper),” she concluded. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

APEX predicts a 10% growth in Panamanian exports, excluding copper, in 2025. Leer más »

Bianca Morán will continue leading the APEX board of directors.

On the morning of Wednesday, January 29, Bianca Morán was sworn in as the President of the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX).   The re-elected president stated that in this new term, she will focus on enabling pending food processing plants, expanding the export matrix, and complying with the deforestation-free products law.   Morán stated that the previously mentioned goals “can only be achieved by reducing bureaucracy, eliminating officials’ discretion, assigning qualified personnel within the export matrix, and digitizing government operations.”   For this year, the business leader expects exports to continue growing. “Last year, we grew by 10% without including copper. This year, we aim to maintain that growth rate,” she noted.   She explained that the main sectors driving the industry’s growth are “fish, fish meal, fillets, frozen and fresh fish, and rum,” Morán specified.   Despite the growth, the APEX president emphasized the importance of “focusing on added value. These are higher-value products that generate better-paying jobs. We must invest in added value.”   The export sector generates 100,000 jobs; however, Morán pointed out that “most of them are in the food industry. But this year, we have 24,000 fewer formal salaried workers than in 2012.” About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Bianca Morán will continue leading the APEX board of directors. Leer más »

Apex: Annual teak exports in Panama reach $30 million.

Lourdes García Armuelles In the country, there are 80,000 hectares of commercial teak plantations. Most of these are located in East Panama, Darién, and Chiriquí. Teak accounts for 98% of the timber exported from Panama.   Annually, teak exports in Panama reach a value of $30 million, with seven to ten thousand 40-foot containers placed on the market, confirmed Bianca Morán, president of the Panamanian Exporters Association (Apex).   According to Morán, as of 2024, exports in this sector have already reached $16 million.   “In Panama, 98% of the timber exported is teak, a species that is not native to the country because all the teak that exists was planted,” said the Apex president at a press meeting on Tuesday.   In the first four months of 2024, Panamanian exports amounted to $283.3 million. Of this value, the export of raw teak represented 6.1%, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.   In the country, there are 80,000 hectares of commercial teak plantations. Most are located in East Panama, Darién, and Chiriquí.   Although teak export is one of the largest sectors in the country, the Apex president clarified that it also experiences fluctuations, depending on market demand. “Teak is a commodity, just like copper and gold, so it depends on market demand. For example, this year in Europe, there is an economic recession. However, during COVID-19, we sold a lot because people were at home and wanted new furniture,” commented Morán.   “We need to move forward to not rely on a single market. In this case, what has affected us is that India has a quantity of timber that it can definitely consume annually. We are focused on wanting to sell everything to India, but there are other countries that also produce timber, so we need to take advantage of the tools the market offers us,” she added.   For the Apex president, another disadvantage is that among all the major companies dedicated to exporting teak in the country, only three do so directly, and the rest through intermediaries.   “In teak and all sectors, when you use an intermediary, it means that a portion is taken that should stay with the producer. This is what we need to expand: our direct export base,” she emphasized.   Teak is a type of timber mainly used to create outdoor furniture. Its high presence in Panama has made the country one of the largest certified producers in the region.   To continue leveraging these advantages, the Apex president called for promoting the arrival of more certified forest investors.   “They voluntarily meet much higher standards than what Panama requires as a country, and that is what generates people living from the forest with dignity, with a model forest,” confirmed Morán.   Wood and Control Álvaro Castillo, from the Natural Heritage section of the Forestry Directorate at the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente), emphasized that in the forest, there is a variety of timber species. However, those that are most popular for export are hardwoods, such as balsam, almond, bitter almond, quira, and teak.   For the national market, species such as espavé, cedar, oak, zorro, and amarillo dominate, known for their good sales and ease of use in making doors, floors, and other products.   Castillo acknowledged that over the years, some companies have shown interest in selling round timber or timber with some degree of processing.   To prevent illegality, he revealed that since 2018, MiAmbiente has established a digital forest traceability system with two components. The first is the use of a chip to digitize all the information of the tree, including data such as location, thickness, height, and species.   Additionally, they use a tag, which is a QR code linked to the chip, to track traceability from the moment the timber is cut until it reaches the industry.   According to the official, these measures have led to fewer seizures of illegal timber. For example, he explained that in recent years, around 200 cubic meters of timber have been reported as retained due to illegality, whereas previously, these figures ranged from 1,000 to 1,800 cubic meters across the country.   “We have seen the statistics, and the seizures of illegal timber are indeed fewer. Sometimes we seize 10 logs when it used to be 30 or 40,” Castillo commented.   Regarding the cocobolo tree species, he said that MiAmbiente continues to detect illegal activities, primarily due to illegal logging in national parks such as Soberanía and Camino de Cruces.   “There is very little illegal logging of cocobolo nowadays. From 2014 to 2019, 1,000 cubic meters of this timber were confiscated,” detailed the MiAmbiente official, who also indicated that in other areas, there have been impacts on cedar, balsam, espavé, quira, and oak.   Castillo highlighted that today, illegal timber is not reaching commercial markets because, due to operations conducted with public security entities, this material is being detected in transit.   ÁLVARO CASTILLO, MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT “We have seen the statistics, and the seizures of illegal timber are indeed fewer. Sometimes we seize 10 logs when it used to be 30 or 40,”   BIANCA MORÁN, PRESIDENT OF APEX “In Panama, 98% of the timber exported is teak, a species that is not native to the country because all the teak that exists was planted,” About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Apex: Annual teak exports in Panama reach $30 million. Leer más »

Panama Teak Participates in Carrefour International du Bois 2024

Liliana Renteria – Ecotopia Teak  Panama Teak has made a remarkable debut at Carrefour International du Bois 2024, a prestigious international event attended by prominent companies such as Apical, United Nature, Ecotopia Teak, Batipa Teak, and Forwood. This event marks a significant milestone for Panama Teak as it enters the premium wood market with the support of ProPanama.   During the trade mission, Panama’s pavilion was inaugurated in the presence of Jean Piveteau, President of the fair, Bianca Moran, President of APEX Panama, and Issamary Sánchez, Panama’s Ambassador to France.   This platform has provided a valuable opportunity to showcase Panama’s commitment to sustainability and excellence in the timber industry. Participating companies have engaged in B2B meetings, establishing new connections, and enhancing Panama Teak’s presence alongside future allies. A notable achievement indeed! About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Panama Teak Participates in Carrefour International du Bois 2024 Leer más »

Ecotopia Teak participates in business breakfast organized by APEX

Liliana Rentería – Ecotopia Teak Ecotopia Teak, a sustainable export company, is pleased to have participated in the business breakfast organized by the Panamanian Association of Exporters (APEX). The event, facilitated by Mr. Sergio Tertusio, Director of IFADESA, focused on traceability and export regulations using blockchain technology.     This business breakfast provided Ecotopia Teak with a valuable opportunity to acquire knowledge on how blockchain can optimize its export operations. The company is committed to applying these learnings to improve its processes and continue to be a leader in its industry. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Ecotopia Teak participates in business breakfast organized by APEX Leer más »

Ecotopia Teak participates in Expocomer 2024: Connecting with the world and generating alliances

Liliana Rentería – Ecotopia Teak Ecotopia Teak is proud to have been part of Expocomer 2024, a landmark event organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industries. On this occasion, we had the privilege of being integrated into the Panama Pavilion, alongside prominent institutions such as the Association of Exporters of Panama, Propanamá, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, during three days filled with opportunities and learning.   Expocomer is much more than a fair; it is a space where companies can weave networks, establish solid relationships, and explore new growth opportunities in the international market. For Ecotopia Teak, it was an enriching experience to share this space with other sector leaders in an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie.   The inauguration of the Panama Pavilion was a moment of special relevance, with the presence of distinguished authorities, including the President of the Republic, the President of the Exporters Association, and prominent Ministers. This gathering marked the beginning of a day full of possibilities and meaningful connections.   We are grateful for the opportunity to participate in Expocomer 2024 and to contribute, modestly, to the growth and development of our industry. We will continue to work with humility and dedication to consolidate our presence in the international market and to remain a reference in the field of sustainable trade. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Ecotopia Teak participates in Expocomer 2024: Connecting with the world and generating alliances Leer más »

Positive Impact: Ecotopia Teak celebrates the Corporate Social Responsibility award at Conexport 2023.

It is an honor for us to celebrate this significant achievement for our company, Ecotopia Teak, as we receive the Corporate Social Responsibility award at the memorable Gala Dinner for the Exporter of the Year 2023.   This heartfelt recognition took place during the 8th National Export Congress, CONEXPORT 2023, a unique experience that fills us with gratitude. We immerse ourselves in nostalgia, recalling the moments that have led to this exceptional achievement, and we cannot help but reflect on Ecotopia Teak’s tireless commitment to social responsibility.    «This distinction is a reflection of the values in our company and the community we serve. We extend our gratitude to the Panamanian Association of Exporters, @apexpanama, for organizing such a meaningful event that highlights the successes and efforts of the export industry. This award is not only a recognition of business excellence but also a testimony to the positive impact we can achieve when we strive to be responsible corporate citizens.»    We celebrate this achievement with joy and, at the same time, fondly remember the steps that have brought us here. May this be just the beginning of more successes and inspiring contributions for our community and the world. Congratulations, @ecotopiateak, on this well-deserved honor. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Positive Impact: Ecotopia Teak celebrates the Corporate Social Responsibility award at Conexport 2023. Leer más »

Export Success: Ecotopia Teak Enthusiastically Participates in Conexport 2023

In an exciting move towards global expansion and the strengthening of Panama’s business landscape, Ecotopia Teak enthusiastically participated in the inauguration of the 8th National Export Congress, Conexport.    This event, considered vital for connecting and strengthening the country’s entrepreneurs in the world of Panamanian exports, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs committed to sustainable growth and success.   In expressing their pride in being part of this event, the Ecotopia Teak team shared their optimism about the future of Panamanian exports. The company is committed to continuing to play an active role in the sustainable development of the country, advocating for ethical and environmentally-responsible business practices.   Ecotopia Teak’s participation in the 8th National Conexport Congress highlights its role as an agent of change and promoter of sustainable growth in the Panamanian business scene. As the event progresses, the company is expected to continue contributing innovative ideas and collaborating with other participants to open new doors in the exciting world of exports. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Export Success: Ecotopia Teak Enthusiastically Participates in Conexport 2023 Leer más »

Green Success: Ecotopia Teak celebrates the graduation of two engineers from the prestigious Exporters Academy.

On a day filled with achievements and celebration, we are pleased to share the graduation of two of our outstanding engineers at Ecotopia Teak: Engineer Ángel Ramos and Engineer Geraldine Vargas. Both have successfully completed their training at the prestigious Exporters Academy, marking a significant milestone in their careers and contributing to the growth and excellence of our company.   Ángel and Geraldine have demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication and effort throughout the educational process. Their commitment to acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of exports not only reflects their professional passion but also their desire to lead in the industry.   This achievement is not only a testament to the individual hard work of Ángel and Geraldine but also to the culture we promote at Ecotopia Teak. We are committed to the professional development of our employees, and it fills us with pride to see how they thrive and contribute to the sustainable growth of both the company and the country.   Congratulations to Ángel Ramos and Engineer Geraldine Vargas for this exceptional achievement. This success is not only yours but also belongs to the entire Ecotopia Teak family. We invite you to learn more about the forestry industry. About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

Green Success: Ecotopia Teak celebrates the graduation of two engineers from the prestigious Exporters Academy. Leer más »

They promote an export culture among students at UP.

The General Directorate of Foreign Trade Services of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), together with the Faculty of Business Administration and Accounting (FAECO) of the University of Panama (UP), held a panel discussion on Monday with over 180 marketing, logistics, and tourism students, as part of the 41st anniversary of this Academic Unit.   The welcome remarks were given by Master Franklin Castillo, the dean of this Faculty, who was accompanied by his team.   The panel discussion featured the participation of entrepreneurs Bianca Morán from Ecotopia Teak, Gabriele Acconciagioco from Pedro Mandinga, and Arturo Siú from Plásticos Generales S.A., who shared their experiences and motivations for entering the export market, as well as their continuous improvement in processes, strategic planning, and certifications to optimize and innovate their work methods within their respective teams.   This forum was moderated by the National Director of Export Promotion, Eric Dormoi, who shared his experience in the support provided by MICI through various programs such as Pymes Exporta, Mujer Exporta, and trade missions.   The Director General of Foreign Trade Services, Marianela Gómez, highlighted that «Promoting the export culture is part of the objectives of these activities, complementing the actions we undertake to contribute to the successful performance of our exports. We would like to thank the speakers and congratulate the University of Panama for allowing us to share this valuable information with their students.» About us Ecotopia Teak, S.A., we are a family-owned company dedicated to reforestation, harvesting, and exporting wood from commercial plantations. We work under high production standards and with social responsibility to obtain high-quality wood according to the needs and demands of national and international markets. Additionally, we actively contribute to the local economy by creating employment opportunities in the communities where we operate. Our commitment is to lead the industry in sustainable reforestation and wood production, preserving our natural resources and building a greener and more sustainable future. Facebook-f Youtube Instagram More articles

They promote an export culture among students at UP. Leer más »