AGP Executive Report

World Cup Business & Panama Link: FIFA’s 2026 ticketing is under U.S. scrutiny after reports of match seats listed for up to £1.7m each, with New York and New Jersey prosecutors seeking details on pricing and fan-facing disclosures, including games involving Panama. Panama–Costa Rica Trade: Panama says it’s open to dialogue with Costa Rica under “equal trade conditions” to defuse agri-food disputes and avoid a bigger diplomatic clash. Energy & Shipping Through the Canal: Canada’s Ksi Lisims LNG project is moving toward construction after Germany’s SEFE agreed to buy up to 1mn tonnes a year from the early 2030s, with Reuters noting LNG shipments could route via the Panama Canal—highlighting how Hormuz disruptions are reshaping trade lanes. Oil Flows via Panama: A U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve cargo headed to California for the first time, with tracking showing crude moving through Panama-linked logistics as Middle East supply tightened. Regional Security Spillover: Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago held back on a CARICOM statement condemning U.S. measures against Cuba tied to the Shield of the Americas security framework.

Canal & Trade Geopolitics: China’s FM Wang Yi told Panama to avoid “third-party interference” and protect Chinese firms amid rising scrutiny of canal-adjacent port infrastructure, as tensions simmer over Balboa and Cristóbal terminals after Panama’s Supreme Court move against CK Hutchison’s concession framework. Sanctions & Crypto Finance: The UK expanded sanctions targeting Russia-linked crypto evasion networks, naming Huobi Global’s Panamanian operator behind HTX and citing alleged “A7” shadow flows. Shipping Risk in the Strait of Hormuz: South Korea says an Iranian Noor-series anti-ship missile was “highly likely” behind the May 4 attack on Panama-flagged HMM Namu, with Tehran to face a formal protest. Energy Deals: Canada is moving LNG trade forward with Germany via the Ksi Lisims project, while backers push toward a construction decision after signing with SEFE. Maritime Capacity & Freight: With Hormuz and Panama bottlenecks plus El Niño risk, brokers warn freight markets could stay tight and volatile, supporting higher rates across sectors. Sports & National Brand (Panama-linked): Ghana’s Black Stars open Group L preparations in Cardiff and will face Panama on June 17, with the squad aiming to finally progress beyond the group stage.

Cybercrime Verdict: A federal jury in Toledo convicted three men tied to an international “business email compromise” that hit 1,000+ victims across 47 states and 19 countries, with total losses around $215m—bringing the count of convicted defendants in the case to 25. Shipping & Food Supply: Agricultural voyages are getting longer, with brokers pointing to record dry-bulk travel times and El Niño risks that could tighten vessel supply and lift freight demand. Panama-Linked Diplomacy: Panama’s foreign minister urged dialogue at the UN Security Council as canal tensions with China simmer, while Austria has begun joining the Panama Canal neutrality protocol. Maritime Finance Watch: A judge in Spain ordered that nearly €16m from a Plus Ultra rescue was diverted through a network tied to alleged Venezuelan gold laundering. World Cup Build-Up: Two FUTVE League players were called up by Panama for the 2026 World Cup, and Team Panama’s base camp in Canada is set in New Tecumseth.

World Cup price shock: FIFA cut ticket and travel costs after overestimating demand, with England fans planning a “late dash” as resale seats and flights drop fast—Panama’s June 27 match in New Jersey is now listed at £560 (down from £690). Panama Canal leadership: Ilya Espino de Marotta was named the Canal’s first woman administrator, tasked with an ~$8.5bn investment push to protect reliability amid water stress. Maritime industry tie-up: The Panama Maritime Chamber and BIMCO signed an MoU to expand cooperation on events and training. Ghana World Cup build-up: Carlos Queiroz’s Black Stars started camp in Cardiff and named a 28-man provisional squad; Baba Rahman’s return is described as “purely technical.” UK sanctions: London expanded Russia-related sanctions, adding three Georgia-based firms tied to crypto and financial networks. Energy watch: Canada is set to announce a Germany LNG supply deal from its Ksi Lisims project.

World Cup Base Camps Locked In: FIFA says all 48 teams have confirmed their base-camp training sites across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada—39 in the U.S., seven in Mexico, and two in Canada—turning the tournament into a wider economic boost beyond the host cities. Panama Canal Watch: With NOAA forecasting a 98% chance of El Niño later this year, Panama Canal authorities are keeping Gatún lake at historically high levels and tightening water-saving at the locks to blunt the usual dry-season risk. Maritime Trade Signals: BIMCO and the Panama Maritime Chamber signed an MoU to boost cooperation and training across Latin America. Tech Connectivity: Mas Movil (+Movil) agreed with Starlink to launch Panama’s first satellite mobile direct-to-cell service later this year. Ghana Football Buzz: Asamoah Gyan backs the Black Stars’ World Cup chances but flags a lack of experience, with Ghana set to open Group L vs Panama on June 17.

Panama Canal Watch: The Panama Canal Authority is keeping Gatún lake at historically high levels as NOAA forecasts a 98% chance of El Niño later this year, while it continues water-saving lock measures started in late 2025. Shipping & Trade Pressure: With the Strait of Hormuz effectively restricted, container rates from Asia to the U.S. are rising again and tanker traffic is rerouting—one Japan-managed crude tanker (Panama-flagged) has become the first to reach Japan after transiting the strait since the Iran war began. Local Business & Connectivity: Mas Movil Panama (+Movil) has agreed with Starlink to launch the country’s first satellite mobile connectivity (D2C) service later this year. Sports Spotlight: Ghana’s Black Stars are in Cardiff under Carlos Queiroz ahead of a Wales friendly, while Panama’s World Cup group-stage match vs England is among the games tied to a $50 ticket lottery in New York. Climate Deal: Latin America and the Caribbean have committed to zero deforestation by 2030, with plans agreed in Panama to strengthen protected areas and cut landfill methane.

Ghana World Cup push: Black Stars assistant coach Roger De Sa says joining Carlos Queiroz’s staff was an “easy decision,” calling it a World Cup project for a country with football pedigree, as Ghana regroup after a 2-0 friendly loss to Mexico and turn to Wales on June 2. Group L spotlight: Forward Antoine Semenyo is upbeat about Ghana’s chances in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia—aiming to get out of the group and “prove” they can beat top teams, with Ghana opening against Panama in Toronto on June 17. Build-up match talks: Ghana’s FA is in advanced discussions with Jamaica for a possible pre-World Cup friendly, after Queiroz reportedly requested extra games to assess the squad. Panama-linked geopolitics: Panama’s President Mulino urged calmer ties with China amid rising ship inspections and U.S. concerns over “bullying” of Panama-flagged vessels, following a Supreme Court move affecting canal terminals. Shipping pressure: Container rates on Asia-to-U.S. lanes are up again since the Iran-war disruptions, while tanker rates are steadier—another reminder that trade routes remain volatile.

World Cup Buzz: Ghana’s Emmanuel Agyei made a strong case for the final Black Stars squad after a standout midfield display in Ghana’s 2-0 friendly loss to Mexico, even as the focus shifts to the next Wales warm-up and the 26-man announcement. Fan Rules: Alcohol in the stands is set to return for the 2026 World Cup, with host nations confirming beer sales at matches—four years after the 2022 booze ban. Shipping & Energy: A Japan-managed, Panama-flagged crude tanker (Idemitsu Maru) is expected to arrive in Japan Monday after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring how the Hormuz disruption is still reshaping routes. Panama in the spotlight: The U.S. says it extradited a Texas man from Panama to face sex trafficking charges, while another U.S.-led operation coordinated with Panama to seize 636 kg of cocaine. Regional trade friction: President José Raúl Mulino pushed back on Costa Rica’s trade complaints, saying Panama must protect its products after years of blockades.

Food System Shock: UK officials are reportedly pushing supermarkets to cap essential food price rises, but the bigger story is what’s driving the surge: Iran-linked shipping and a forecast record El Niño are squeezing global production, with fertiliser bottlenecks tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping & Panama Canal: As Hormuz disruptions keep tankers rerouting, the Panama Canal is seeing higher oil traffic—closer to capacity—raising the stakes for how Panama manages this windfall. Cuba Pressure: Washington is hardening its stance on Havana as Marco Rubio warns diplomacy is unlikely, while the U.S. indictment of Raúl Castro adds fuel to a wider Caribbean security and migration ripple. Local Enforcement: Panama dismantled a transnational drug cell tied to the “Baghdad” gang, with arrests and alleged political links. Gambling Policy: Panama approved scrapping a 5.5% tax on casino and betting winnings to lure tourists and foreign players.

Hormuz Shock Hits Panama Canal: A shipping association says Strait of Hormuz disruptions are pushing oil tankers toward the Panama Canal, with transits up about 8% this year and the canal running near its daily capacity. Drug Bust With Regional Reach: U.S.-led operations seized 636 kg of cocaine after tracking an illicit aircraft, coordinating with Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama; separate actions also netted cocaine and marijuana at sea. Panama’s Canal Leadership: Panama’s Canal Board has selected engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first woman to administer the waterway, with her term starting Sept. 1. Tourism Tax Cut: Panama will scrap a 5.5% tax on casino and betting winnings to lure foreign visitors as gambling revenue has slid for three straight years. Ghana World Cup Build-Up: Black Stars assistant Roger De Sa praises Carlos Queiroz’s leadership as Ghana prepares to open Group L vs Panama on June 17.

Canal Leadership Shake-Up: Panama has named its first woman to administer the Panama Canal—engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta—after a shortlist process reviewed about 100 candidates, as geopolitical and operational pressures keep rising. Hormuz Pressure on Trade: Iran is pushing to “monetize” control of the Strait of Hormuz with a proposed passage fee, a move shipping experts say clashes with international rules and adds uncertainty to global routes. U.S.-Cuba Escalation: The U.S. is intensifying its Cuba pressure campaign, including a fresh focus on Raúl Castro amid warnings that diplomacy is being sidelined. Regional Business Squeeze: Vendors at Georgetown’s Stabroek Market say sales are down sharply as costs of living rise. Tech & Markets Scrutiny: In Washington, House investigators are probing insider-trading risks tied to prediction platforms Kalshi and Polymarket, demanding identity and trading records.

Panama–Costa Rica Retaliation: Panama has suspended electricity sales to Costa Rica after criticism tied to the ongoing trade fight over agricultural products, escalating a dispute that both sides say is driven by “bad faith” and legal claims from WTO rulings. Shipping Pressure on the Canal: With the Strait of Hormuz disruption still reshaping global energy flows, the Panama Canal is running near maximum capacity, pushing up auction prices and extending waiting times as more U.S. cargo heads to Asia. Maritime Security & Trade: A hammerhead-shark protection pact signed in Panama targets stronger regional rules and community support for artisanal fishers. Cuba Tensions: The U.S. indictment of Raúl Castro adds fuel to a wider Cuba crisis as Washington tightens pressure. World Cup Buzz: Panama’s group-stage draw includes England, Croatia and Ghana, while broader ticket-price backlash and insider-trading probes into prediction markets keep the tournament conversation noisy.

Canal Pressure Hits Peak: With the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut, the Panama Canal is running near maximum capacity—BIMCO says average daily transits are up 8% year-on-year in 2026 to about 38 ships, with tanker demand and tighter slot auctions pushing waiting times to around 47 hours. Leadership Change: Panama named engineer Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first woman to lead the Canal Authority, starting Oct. 1 for a seven-year term, as the waterway faces rising traffic and climate risk. Policy Watch: The National Assembly approved Bill No. 403 to tighten gambling rules, including a new fund to fight gambling addiction. Regional Politics: The U.S. indicted former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue plane shootdown, escalating pressure as a U.S. carrier strike group enters the Caribbean. Trade Tension: Panama and Costa Rica’s farm dispute is still escalating, with Costa Rica accusing Panama of a “blockade” and Panama retaliating on energy sales.

Energy Retaliation: President José Raúl Mulino says Panama has suspended electricity sales to Costa Rica, calling it a counterweight to Costa Rica’s public pressure over an agricultural trade fight that dates back to 2019. Trade Tensions: Costa Rica’s new president Laura Fernández escalated the dispute this week, accusing Panama of a “trade blockade” and pushing international diplomatic channels over dairy, meat, pineapples, bananas and strawberries. Canal Leadership: Panama Canal’s Board has named Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first woman to lead the interoceanic waterway, starting Oct. 1. Cuba Pressure: The U.S. indicted former Cuban leader Raúl Castro on murder charges tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, as a U.S. carrier strike group entered the Caribbean. World Cup Buzz: Toronto is rolling out a free outdoor FIFA hub with a giant screen for six matches at BMO Field, while New York residents can enter a lottery for $50 tickets to select MetLife Stadium games.

Cuba Pressure Turns Personal: The U.S. indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, escalating Washington’s push for change in Havana. Caribbean Power Projection: The USS Nimitz strike group is now operating in the Caribbean, with SOUTHCOM framing it as “readiness and presence” amid the Cuba tensions. US–UN Diplomatic Pressure: A Reuters report says the U.S. threatened visa revocations for a Palestinian UN delegation unless Riyad Mansour drops a bid for vice presidency of the UN General Assembly. Panama Business Watch: Panama projects about 7.8% export growth in 2026, with frozen shrimp/prawns leading early gains as the government leans on “Made in Panama.” Local Policy: Panama approved Bill No. 403 tightening gambling rules, including a 10% profit contribution to mental health programs and biometric checks for online users.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. Justice Department has indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder and conspiracy charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles, a case prosecutors say has been in the works for decades—Castro, 94, is not in U.S. custody. Diplomatic Links: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted credentials from Panama’s ambassador, Jorge Ricardo Silen Santacoloma, and discussed agriculture and trade cooperation, including Panama’s role as a logistics hub. Regional Parliament: Curaçao will host the first official PARLATINO Caribbean Commission meetings, with Panama among the delegations expected. Maritime/Trade Watch: Panama bunker fuel sales dipped in April versus March, while U.S. sanctions actions again targeted Iran-linked shipping and finance networks. World Cup Noise: Ghana’s sports minister warned fans not to pay “agents” promising 2026 travel, as preparations continue.