Ongoing demonstrations by teaching and construction unions in Panama are impacting the transit of cargo through the county, according to one FIDI Affiliate.
In a letter to its clients and agents, Panama City-based Canal Movers & Logistics Corporation said the impact on cargo and containers could be ‘significant’ and ‘may result in unexpected delays and extra changes beyond our control’.
The protests are against a Panama government contract award to continue copper mining in a biodiverse region of the country 75 miles west of the capital, and have blocked key routes across the country, including a section of the Pan-American highway.
While most of the protests have been peaceful, some have become violent, with police using tear gas.
The Canal Movers letter said the company is continuing to monitor the situation and prioritising the safety of personnel and shipments.