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The twenty imports Panama is best placed to replace.

Panama imported USD 18bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 1.2bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well, with how concentrated the supply of each is.

USD 1.4bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
65products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
632products Panama already exports well
321product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Panama already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Panama would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Panama does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620342

    Comes fromChina 90%, 53 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or... (exports USD 525k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 148m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 9 per cent (3); China supplies 90 per cent (2).

    USD 148mup 5% on 2022
  2. 2

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620462

    Comes fromChina 95%, 53 source countries
    Nearest export strengthGarments and clothing accessories: babies', of textile materials... (exports USD 156k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 918k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 19m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 195m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2); China supplies 95 per cent (2).

    USD 195mup 236% on 2022
  3. 3

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721420

    Comes fromTurkey 62%, 14 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 196k
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 82m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); Turkey supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 82mdown 15% on 2022
  4. 4

    T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 610910

    Comes fromChina 60%, 62 source countries
    Nearest export strengthShirts: men's or boys', of cotton, knitted or crocheted (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 71m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 10 per cent (3); China supplies 60 per cent (2).

    USD 71mup 35% on 2022
  5. 5

    Spirits obtained by distilling grape wine or grape marcHS 220820

    Comes fromUnited States 61%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 780k
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 101m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); United States supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 101mup 125% on 2022
  6. 6

    Hosiery and footwear: without applied soles, of synthetic fibres, knitted or crocheted (excluding graduated...HS 611596

    Comes fromChina 96%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthNightdresses and pyjamas: women's or girls', of textile materials... (exports USD 59k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 508k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 30m
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 48m, top 20 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); China supplies 96 per cent (2).

    USD 48mdown 2% on 2022
  7. 7

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of synthetic fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 610463

    Comes fromChina 92%, 41 source countries
    Nearest export strengthShirts: men's or boys', of textile materials n.e.c. in heading no.... (exports USD 470k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 728k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 10m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 34m, top 29 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 7 per cent (3); China supplies 92 per cent (2).

    USD 34mup 0% on 2022
  8. 8

    Shirts: men's or boys', of man-made fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 610520

    Comes fromChina 87%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthT-shirts, singlets and other vests: of textile materials (other than... (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 184k
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 43 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); China supplies 87 per cent (2).

    USD 24mdown 3% on 2022
  9. 9

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Comes fromCosta Rica 24%, 31 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 82m
    Countries that export it well48

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 97m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2).

    USD 97mup 26% on 2022
  10. 10

    Beer: made from maltHS 220300

    Comes fromUnited States 48%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 73m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); United States supplies 48 per cent (1).

    USD 73mdown 38% on 2022
  11. 11

    Plastics: carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or packing of goodsHS 392330

    Comes fromCosta Rica 40%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 481k; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 47m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 44m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); Costa Rica supplies 40 per cent (1).

    USD 44mup 10% on 2022
  12. 12

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromUnited States 46%, 41 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 594k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 13m
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 44m, top 23 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 15 per cent (2); United States supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 44mup 20% on 2022
  13. 13

    Appliances: worn, carried or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disabilityHS 902190

    Comes fromAustralia 74%, 35 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 160k
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 40m, top 25 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1); Australia supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 40mup 262% on 2022
  14. 14

    Paper and paperboard: cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboardHS 481910

    Comes fromGuatemala 66%, 42 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 29m
    Countries that export it well46

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 32m, top 30 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); Guatemala supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 32mup 43% on 2022
  15. 15

    Shirts: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620520

    Comes fromChina 59%, 51 source countries
    Nearest export strengthShirts: men's or boys', of textile materials n.e.c. in heading no.... (exports USD 470k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 45 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 6 per cent (3); China supplies 59 per cent (1).

    USD 23mdown 3% on 2022
  16. 16

    Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made fibres, knitted or crochetedHS 611030

    Comes fromChina 72%, 50 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or... (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 19m, top 51 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); China supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 19mdown 28% on 2022
  17. 17

    Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not containing cocoa: communion wafers, empty...HS 190590

    Comes fromCosta Rica 26%, 48 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 29m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 81m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (1).

    USD 81mup 15% on 2022
  18. 18

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments...HS 330499

    Comes fromFrance 32%, 52 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaints and varnishes: (including enamels, lacquers and distempers)... (exports USD 301k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 6m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 78m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 78mup 28% on 2022
  19. 19

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromMexico 46%, 33 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 339k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 60m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Mexico supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 60mdown 8% on 2022
  20. 20

    Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or...HS 220299

    Comes fromCosta Rica 31%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthJuices: mixtures of fruits or vegetables (but not nut juice)... (exports USD 883k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 59m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Panama's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2).

    USD 59mup 5% on 2022

The bill and its path, the sources and their unit values, who exports the line well, the nearest strengths, the public buyers where a country publishes them, and the method. We reply by email. Privacy

One line per customs heading. Products Panama already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no.... imports USD 586m, exports USD 127m, top source Germany 19%
  • Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6402, (other than just covering the ankle)... imports USD 305m, exports USD 6m, top source China 94%
  • Perfumes and toilet waters imports USD 208m, exports USD 16m, top source United States 35%
  • Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 imports USD 184m, exports USD 13m, top source Costa Rica 35%
  • Whiskies imports USD 148m, exports USD 6m, top source United Kingdom 68%
  • Footwear: (other than sportswear), with outer soles of rubber or plastics and... imports USD 123m, exports USD 5m, top source China 92%
  • Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308 imports USD 117m, exports USD 10m, top source China 72%
  • Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition) imports USD 93m, exports USD 7m, top source China 24%
  • Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station... imports USD 104m, exports USD 34m, top source China 40%
  • Cooking appliances and plate warmers: for gas fuel or for both gas and other... imports USD 62m, exports USD 1m, top source China 86%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 321 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-03. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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