Current Account Balance: Panama
Panama's current account balance is currently -1.7 % of GDP as of 2026. # Panama Current Account Balance Panama's current account balance stands at -1.
Current (2026)
-1.7 % of GDP
-88.9% y/y
Peak (1988)
13.3 % of GDP
Low (2014)
-12.9 % of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
1980–2026 · 51 pts
Current Account Balance — Panama
1980 — 2026
Current Account Balance — Panama
Analysis# Panama Current Account Balance
Panama's current account balance stands at -1.7% of GDP in 2026, reflecting a modest deficit after decades of volatility. The metric has swung dramatically from its all-time peak of 13.3% in 1988 to a low of -12.9% in 2014, demonstrating Panama's exposure to global trade cycles and commodity prices. Since 1980, the overall trajectory has shifted 77.9%, marking a substantial deterioration from the surpluses that characterized the late 1980s.
The most striking turning point occurred between 2013 and 2014, when the account plummeted to its historic low amid canal expansion investments and global economic headwinds. Recent years show stabilization: Panama briefly returned to surplus in 2022 and 2024, before moving back to small deficits. The 2026 projection of -1.7% suggests the country is settling into a moderately deficit position, likely reflecting balanced trade patterns and sustained demand for canal services.
Historical Data
51 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2030 | -2.5 % of GDP | +0.00% |
| 2029 | -2.5 % of GDP | +0.00% |
| 2028 | -2.5 % of GDP | +0.00% |
| 2027 | -2.5 % of GDP | -47.06% |
| 2026 | -1.7 % of GDP | -88.89% |
| 2025 | -0.9 % of GDP | -147.37% |
| 2024 | 1.9 % of GDP | +161.29% |
| 2023 | -3.1 % of GDP | — |
| 2022 | 0 % of GDP | +100.00% |
| 2021 | -1.2 % of GDP | -700.00% |
| 2020 | 0.2 % of GDP | +103.92% |
| 2019 | -5.1 % of GDP | +35.44% |
| 2018 | -7.9 % of GDP | -36.21% |
| 2017 | -5.8 % of GDP | +22.67% |
| 2016 | -7.5 % of GDP | +12.79% |
| 2015 | -8.6 % of GDP | +33.33% |
| 2014 | -12.9 % of GDP | -50.00% |
| 2013 | -8.6 % of GDP | +3.37% |
| 2012 | -8.9 % of GDP | +29.37% |
| 2011 | -12.6 % of GDP | -23.53% |
Show all 51 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | -10.2 % of GDP | -1175.00% |
| 2009 | -0.8 % of GDP | +90.91% |
| 2008 | -8.8 % of GDP | -66.04% |
| 2007 | -5.3 % of GDP | -120.83% |
| 2006 | -2.4 % of GDP | +61.29% |
| 2005 | -6.2 % of GDP | +6.06% |
| 2004 | -6.6 % of GDP | -65.00% |
| 2003 | -4 % of GDP | -400.00% |
| 2002 | -0.8 % of GDP | +46.67% |
| 2001 | -1.5 % of GDP | +72.22% |
| 2000 | -5.4 % of GDP | +40.66% |
| 1999 | -9.1 % of GDP | -9.64% |
| 1998 | -8.3 % of GDP | -84.44% |
| 1997 | -4.5 % of GDP | -136.84% |
| 1996 | -1.9 % of GDP | +64.15% |
| 1995 | -5.3 % of GDP | -2750.00% |
| 1994 | 0.2 % of GDP | +116.67% |
| 1993 | -1.2 % of GDP | +66.67% |
| 1992 | -3.6 % of GDP | +2.70% |
| 1991 | -3.7 % of GDP | -205.71% |
| 1990 | 3.5 % of GDP | +75.00% |
| 1989 | 2 % of GDP | -84.96% |
| 1988 | 13.3 % of GDP | +52.87% |
| 1987 | 8.7 % of GDP | +643.75% |
| 1986 | -1.6 % of GDP | -233.33% |
| 1985 | 1.2 % of GDP | +134.29% |
| 1984 | -3.5 % of GDP | -197.22% |
| 1983 | 3.6 % of GDP | +200.00% |
| 1982 | -3.6 % of GDP | +67.57% |
| 1981 | -11.1 % of GDP | -44.16% |
| 1980 | -7.7 % of GDP | — |
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