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Shipping to Panama

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Looking to ship to Panama, but not sure which shipping company or service is best? What are the prices, how long will it take to ship, and what customs paperwork is required? We are here to help you. Shipixy makes international shipping easy and budget-friendly, no matter whether you're sending gifts to family in Panama City, shipping online orders to customers in David, or shipping personal belongings to Colón or any other city.

Our shipping calculator allows you to compare shipping prices, delivery times, couriers, and tracking with trusted international shipping services all in one place. You don't need to go through different shipping companies to get the best rate and speed. You can easily find the best possible balance on our platform. Just fill in your shipment details, compare services, and book your shipment online in minutes. Continue reading to find out which are the best Panama couriers, shipping prices, delivery times, customs rules, and prohibited items before you send your parcel.

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Table of Contents
  1. Best Couriers to Ship to Panama
  2. Ship a Package with UPS
  3. Ship a Package with USPS
  4. Ship a Package with FedEx
  5. How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Panama?
  6. How Long Does It Take to Ship a Parcel to Panama?
  7. Panama Customs and Regulations
  8. What Items Cannot Be Shipped to Panama?
  9. Prohibited Items
  10. Restricted Items

Best Couriers to Ship to Panama

The selection of the right courier relies on your shipment size, delivery urgency, and budget. Some carriers specialize in express shipping, and some in economy shipping. With us, you can compare shipping services and select the best service according to your requirements.

Ship a Package with UPS

UPS offers reliable international shipping, with secure shipment of parcels and excellent tracking. It is used by many businesses for shipping orders, paperwork, and important packages. You can select from the various international services provided by UPS, depending on the requirement and budget, such as express and economy international services.

Customers enjoy advanced tracking, customs clearance assistance, and delivery to major cities in Panama.

Ship a Package with USPS

USPS is one of the cheapest options for lightweight packages. It's often used for gifts, clothes, personal items, and orders for eCommerce and provides very affordable international shipping with tracking for many services.

Perfect for non-urgent shipping and low-value items, USPS is a great value for online retailers and individuals. International Mail and Priority Mail services offer reliable delivery at a lower cost than a lot of express carriers.

Ship a Package with FedEx

FedEx is one international shipping service that provides quick delivery from the USA to Panama. FedEx is a popular option for businesses and individuals when it comes to critical deadline deliveries, customs handling, and tracking.

FedEx offers express international shipping options for document, business, and personal packages. With its tracking system and customs knowledge, it aids in customs clearance and fast delivery across Panama.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Panama?

There are a number of things that affect the shipping prices from the USA to Panama, like the weight and size of your package, the rate at which you want it shipped, the destination inside Panama, and the courier service you are using. Economy shipping is typically the least expensive choice for non-urgent deliveries, whereas express services are more expensive and provide significantly shorter transit times.

Additional options like shipping insurance, signature confirmation, special handling, or oversized package services could also increase the final shipping cost. Extra courier fees may apply for deliveries to locations outside the city. You can see the shipping rates from several trusted carriers in one place and select the one that best meets your needs for price, speed, and service for sending the shipment.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Parcel to Panama?

The delivery time from the USA to Panama is based on the courier and the shipping service used. Express shipping is the quickest shipping method and typically gets your documents to your destination within 1-3 business days, which is perfect for time-sensitive documents and important packages. The standard shipping time is usually 4-8 business days, which is a reasonable time that balances price and delivery.

Economy shipping is usually received within 7-15 business days and is a good option if you are looking to save money. Air freight costs are generally more expensive than ocean freight (LCL), which is the cheapest method for large, bulky shipments, and can take 3-6 weeks depending on the shipment route and customs processing. Additionally, customs clearance, public holidays, weather, and the location of the customer can impact delivery times. Deliveries to larger cities, including Panama City, San Miguelito, David, Colón, La Chorrera, Arraiján, Santiago, Chitré, Penonomé, and Aguadulce, are usually quicker than smaller towns or areas. You can check the estimated delivery times directly on our shipping calculator before confirming your shipment.

Panama Customs and Regulations

All shipments to Panama are subject to local customs rules. Clear and accurate shipping paperwork minimizes the chance of delays and simplifies clearance. Typically, a commercial invoice, customs declaration, shipping label, recipient details, and a description of the goods to be sent are required for most shipments. Panama applies import duties and taxes at the CIF (Cost of goods, Insurance, and Freight) value of the shipment.

VAT is normally applicable at 7% on imported goods, and customs duties vary according to the category of product, declared value, and tariff classification. Existing customs regulations may allow for duty exemptions for some low-value shipments. Some products may need to have import permits, certificates, or approval from the relevant Panamanian authorities before clearance. Clear and precise descriptions, accurately declared values, and detailed paperwork can help to clear customs and reduce the risk of delays or unexpected fees.

What Items Cannot Be Shipped to Panama?

Some items are not allowed or may be limited in Panama. Failure to ship these items could lead to delays, extra fees, or rejection of shipment.

Prohibited Items

  • Firearms and weapons
  • Ammunition and explosives
  • Illegally obtained drugs and narcotics
  • Hazardous chemicals
  • Flammable materials
  • Fake or counterfeit brands.
  • Radioactive materials
  • Undocumented hazardous batteries
  • Toxic substances
  • Counterfeit currency
  • Unapproved pharmaceuticals
  • Some food products that are not subject to permits
  • Illegally kept live animals
  • Perishable food items
  • Plants and seeds without inspection approval

Restricted Items

The following items will need more documentation or approval before shipping:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products
  • Medical supplies
  • Prescription medicines
  • Cosmetics
  • Food products
  • Animal products
  • Industrial chemicals
  • Drones and communication gear

Customs requirements may change at any time. Please note that it is important to always review the latest import requirements before delivering into Panama in order to prevent any delays or extra costs.

Want the cheapest shipping service for Panama? Sign up now to get a free quote and to compare shipping rates, delivery time, and trusted shipping services to Panama, and choose the best shipping option for your next shipment to Panama.

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Key facts about Panama

Panama has a population of about 4.6 million (2025), and its capital is Panama City.

In 2025, the population grew by 1.2%, and 66.2% of people lived in urban areas. The currencies are the Panamanian balboa (PAB) and the United States dollar (USD), and the official language is Spanish.

In Panama, standard time is UTC-05:00, traffic drives on the right and the international calling code is +507.

Panama's gross domestic product (GDP) was $90.5 billion in 2025, or $19,790 per person. It exported $38.4 billion and imported $34 billion of goods and services in 2024, so trade equaled 84% of GDP.

Panama at a glance
CapitalPanama City
Population (2025)4,571,189
Land area (2024)74,180 km² (28,641 sq mi)
CurrenciesPanamanian balboa (PAB), United States dollar (USD)
Official languageSpanish
Time zone (standard)UTC-05:00
Calling code+507
Internet domain.pa
Drives on theright
GDP (2025)$90.5 billion
GDP per person (2025)$19,790
GDP of Panama, 2016 to 2025
$0$50B$100B2016201720182019202020212022202320242025

Panama's GDP grew from $59.8 billion in 2016 to $90.5 billion in 2025, while the population went from 4,029,086 to 4,571,189. The largest one-year rise was in 2021, up 18.1%. Divided by population, that is about $14,832 per person in 2016 and $19,790 in 2025.

Show the numbers
GDP and population of Panama by year
YearGDP (current US$)Population
2025$90.46 billion4,571,189
2024$86.52 billion4,515,577
2023$83.81 billion4,458,759
2022$76.48 billion4,400,773
2021$67.4 billion4,345,405
2020$57.06 billion4,293,261
2019$69.78 billion4,234,700
2018$67.32 billion4,167,860
2017$64.33 billion4,098,707
2016$59.76 billion4,029,086

Trade between the United States and Panama

In 2025, the United States exported $8.9 billion of goods to Panama and imported $659.5 million, a U.S. trade surplus of $8.3 billion.

U.S. exports to Panama fell 16.5% from $10.7 billion in 2024.

Among the 21 countries in North America that Shipixy ships to, Panama ranks 6th as a market for U.S. goods, between Guatemala ($10 billion) and Honduras ($7 billion).

U.S. goods trade with Panama, 2016 to 2025
$0$5B$10B$15B2016201720182019202020212022202320242025

U.S. exports to Panama ranged from $5.7 billion (2020) to $11.7 billion (2022); U.S. imports ranged from $410 million to $755.4 million. The United States had a goods trade surplus with Panama in 10 of these 10 years. Exports in 2025 were 8.2% above the 10-year average of $8.2 billion.

Show the numbers
U.S. goods trade with Panama by year
YearU.S. exportsU.S. importsBalance
2025$8.914 billion$659.5 million+$8.255 billion
2024$10.67 billion$552.8 million+$10.12 billion
2023$10.8 billion$524.3 million+$10.28 billion
2022$11.7 billion$522.8 million+$11.18 billion
2021$8.04 billion$755.4 million+$7.284 billion
2020$5.655 billion$707.5 million+$4.948 billion
2019$7.538 billion$439.6 million+$7.098 billion
2018$6.732 billion$419.5 million+$6.313 billion
2017$6.29 billion$442.5 million+$5.847 billion
2016$6.069 billion$410 million+$5.659 billion
U.S. goods trade with Panama by month, 2025
$0$500M$1BJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

In 2025, monthly U.S. exports to Panama ranged from $658 million in April to $881.8 million in September. U.S. imports from Panama peaked in December at $98.2 million. The busiest quarter for exports was the third (July to September), with $2.3 billion or 26.1% of the year.

Show the numbers
U.S. goods trade with Panama by month, 2025
MonthU.S. exportsU.S. imports
January 2025$772.4 million$48.89 million
February 2025$663.6 million$43.24 million
March 2025$741.4 million$43.45 million
April 2025$658 million$55.04 million
May 2025$837.1 million$62.72 million
June 2025$744.3 million$40.5 million
July 2025$671.9 million$51.38 million
August 2025$770 million$49.04 million
September 2025$881.8 million$63.13 million
October 2025$774.4 million$59.04 million
November 2025$710.6 million$44.87 million
December 2025$688.8 million$98.17 million

The top three categories, fuel oil, petroleum products, other and civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts, made up 49.1% of U.S. exports to Panama in 2025. The fastest growing of these was industrial engines, up 64% from 2024.

Top U.S. exports to Panama by end-use category
Category202520242023Change 2024 to 2025
Fuel oil$1.835 billion$1.901 billion$3.218 billion-3.5%
Petroleum products, other$1.528 billion$1.654 billion$1.581 billion-7.6%
Civilian aircraft, engines, equipment, and parts$1.012 billion$620.7 million$752.9 million+63.1%
Crude oil$505.3 million$1.607 billion$861.1 million-68.6%
Pharmaceutical preparations$378.6 million$685.2 million$316.2 million-44.7%
Minimum value shipments$332.7 million$432.1 million$442.2 million-23%
Toiletries and cosmetics$218.1 million$223.7 million$219 million-2.5%
Gas-natural$197.9 million$152.3 million$151.2 million+29.9%
Other foods$145.5 million$131.2 million$124.6 million+10.9%
Corn$139.4 million$118.4 million$98.35 million+17.7%
Show all 20 rows
Category202520242023Change 2024 to 2025
Meat, poultry, etc.$138 million$144.2 million$110 million-4.3%
Natural gas liquids$120.9 million$140 million$137 million-13.6%
Dairy products and eggs$109.2 million$98.12 million$85.66 million+11.3%
Computers$104.6 million$97.02 million$87.77 million+7.8%
Animal feeds, n.e.c.$104.6 million$115.1 million$95.64 million-9.1%
Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.$96.26 million$121.5 million$100.1 million-20.8%
Industrial machines, other$84.38 million$86.62 million$98.86 million-2.6%
Passenger cars, new and used$77.43 million$75.94 million$115.8 million+2%
Industrial engines$76.47 million$46.62 million$82.73 million+64%
Chemicals-other$70.76 million$76.82 million$73.83 million-7.9%

The United States bought mostly U.S. goods returned, and reimports, nonmonetary gold and fish and shellfish from Panama in 2025, together 64.6% of U.S. imports from there. The largest, U.S. goods returned, and reimports, was worth $204.5 million, up 29.2% from 2024.

Top U.S. imports from Panama by end-use category
Category202520242023Change 2024 to 2025
U.S. goods returned, and reimports$204.5 million$158.4 million$165 million+29.2%
Nonmonetary gold$140.2 million$71.03 million$62.64 million+97.4%
Fish and shellfish$81.5 million$87.65 million$85.38 million-7%
Electric apparatus$29.84 million$1.231 million$989,206+2323.5%
Cane and beet sugar$28.99 million$40.56 million$21.95 million-28.5%
Generators, accessories$24.44 million$9.397 million$6.135 million+160.1%
Fruits, frozen juices$21.45 million$18.93 million$34.12 million+13.3%
Cell phones and other household goods, n.e.c.$11.07 million$40.48 million$14.78 million-72.6%
Minimum value shipments$9.946 million$9.223 million$6.783 million+7.8%
Copper$9.517 million$11.65 million$7.399 million-18.3%
Show all 20 rows
Category202520242023Change 2024 to 2025
Industrial supplies, other$9.075 million$7.921 million$9.549 million+14.6%
Bauxite and aluminum$8.658 million$8.933 million$4.951 million-3.1%
Other foods$7.508 million$5.511 million$1.381 million+36.2%
Tobacco, waxes, etc.$6.331 million$3.133 million$6.83 million+102.1%
Jewelry$6.04 million$2.04 million$897,409+196.1%
Green coffee$5.665 million$6.021 million$6.209 million-5.9%
Alcoholic beverages, excluding wine$5.554 million$6.225 million$14.16 million-10.8%
Nontextile floor tiles$4.944 million$52,618$6,783+9296.4%
Finished textile supplies$4.711 million$6.535 million$6.947 million-27.9%
Toiletries and cosmetics$3.56 million$6.122 million$3.946 million-41.9%

Countries near Panama

Panama shares land or sea borders with three countries: Colombia, Costa Rica and the United States.

By population, Panama is the 11th largest of the 24 countries in North America on our list, between Costa Rica (5.2 million) and Puerto Rico (3.2 million).

Among its neighbors, Colombia received the most U.S. goods in 2025 ($19.5 billion) and Costa Rica the least ($10.2 billion), against $8.9 billion for Panama.