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Global Market · Central America
Vietnam – Panama Logistics
Panama market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Panama City
- Region
- Central America
- Population
- 4.6 million
- Area
- 75,417 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$83 billion
- GDP per capita
- 18,241 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 73 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- 4.4%/year
- Currency
- PAB (PAB), US Dollar (USD)
- Languages
- Spanish
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 17,695 km
Economic size
In 2023, Panama’s nominal GDP reached US$83 billion, ranking No. 73 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$18,241. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of 4.4% per year.
Growth potential
- Emerging market, best approached through local agents and LCL consolidation.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Vietnam and Panama do not currently have a free trade agreement in force. Goods are subject to the importing country’s standard duty rates.
Shipping from Vietnam to Panama
Ocean
28–38 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
3–5 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
17,695 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
The World Port Index lists 12 ports in Panama. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balboa | PABLB | Medium | 12 m |
| Puerto Cristobal | PACTB | Medium | 12 m |
| Puerto Colon | PAONX | Medium | 12 m |
| Bahia De Las Minas | PAMNP | Small | 12 m |
| Pedregal | PAPED | Small | 3 m |
| Puerto Armuelles | PAAML | Small | — |
Port guides: Panama
International airports
Panama has 7 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Tocumen International Airport | PTY | Tocumen |
| Bocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport | BOC | Isla Colón |
| Changuinola Captain Manuel Niño International Airport | CHX | Changuinola |
| Enrique Malek International Airport | DAV | David |
| Marcos A. Gelabert International Airport | PAC | Albrook |
| Alonso Valderrama Airport | CTD | Chitré |
Services for the Vietnam – Panama lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Panama?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Panama take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 28–38 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.
What are the main seaports in Panama?
The main cargo ports in Panama include Balboa, Puerto Cristobal, Puerto Colon, Bahia De Las Minas.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Panama?
International air cargo to Panama mainly arrives via Tocumen International Airport (PTY), Bocas del Toro "Isla Colón" International Airport (BOC), Changuinola Captain Manuel Niño International Airport (CHX).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Panama have?
There is currently no free trade agreement in force between Vietnam and Panama.
Neighboring countries
Other markets in Central America
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.