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The Panama Canal closed its 2026 fiscal year with more ships, more cargo and higher revenue than the year before, according to results published by the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) on 21 October 2026. For companies that move goods between Asia, the Americas and Europe, the numbers point to a route that has recovered its rhythm after the water restrictions of recent years.
The key figures
The ACP’s fiscal year runs from October to September. For fiscal year 2026, the Authority reported:
- 13,951 transits, up 4.1% from 13,404 in fiscal year 2025.
- 521 million PC/UMS tons, up 6.5% from 489.2 million.
- The Neopanamax locks handled 52.2% of total tonnage, and their tonnage grew 8.2% year on year.
- Revenue of B/. 6.6 billion (the balboa is at par with the U.S. dollar), up 16.6%. The ACP notes these figures are unaudited.
The Authority also reported that it kept a maximum draft of 50 feet throughout the dry season.
Last-minute reservations are back
The ACP has reinstated its last-minute reservation service for vessels using the Panamax locks, announced in Advisory to Shipping ADV-39-2026. The Authority linked the decision to its water conservation measures and to rainfall in the canal watershed returning close to average levels. For shipping lines and charterers, more booking options usually mean more flexibility when schedules change.
Water and long-term plans
Water remains the canal’s biggest long-term question. During the results presentation, Canal Administrator Ilya Espino de Marotta and senior officials discussed water management and progress on the Authority’s Vision 2025–2035 plan, including the Río Indio lake project, which is meant to secure water for both canal operations and human consumption. The ACP said revenue will support investment in strategic projects.
What it means for business
- Importers and exporters: steadier draft and more transits support more predictable routings through Panama, including for trade between Asia and the U.S. East Coast.
- Logistics companies in Panama: a busier canal supports demand for ports, free zones, warehousing and related services around it.
- Gulf and UAE traders: companies already using Dubai as a hub can look at Panama as the matching gateway for the Americas. We looked at why more international companies are choosing Panama in Why Panama Is Becoming Latin America’s Hub for International Business in 2026.
Bottom line
Fiscal year 2026 shows a canal handling more traffic and more cargo, with stronger revenue and more booking flexibility. Companies that depend on the route should still watch rainfall, water levels and the ACP’s advisories to shipping, which set the practical conditions for each transit.
Source: Panama Canal Authority, “Panama Canal Reports Growth in Transits and Tonnage in Fiscal Year 2026”, 21 October 2026.
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