Panama Canal revenue hits US$6.6bn as transits rise 4.1%

The Panama Canal handled 13,951 vessel transits in fiscal 2026 (October 2025–September 2026), up 4.1% year-on-year, as energy shipments and container traffic supported demand despite renewed draft restrictions in the final months of the fiscal year. Disruption around the Strait of Hormuz added to demand for canal passages, pushing auction prices for transit slots to unprecedented levels.

Tonnage rose 6.5% to 521m Panama Canal Universal Measurement System (PC/UMS) tons in the year ended September 30, while revenue increased 16.6% to B/.6.6 billion (US$6.6 billion), according to preliminary figures released by the Panama Canal Authority.

The results follow a rebound in traffic after drought forced the canal to restrict vessel transits and draft in fiscal 2024. With operating conditions improving and restrictions lifted, the canal handled 13,404 transits and 489.2m PC/UMS tons in fiscal 2025 pushing the revenue to B/.5.705 billion. Traffic continued to rise in fiscal 2026, with tonnage through the Neopanamax locks increasing 8.2% and accounting for 52.2% of the canal’s total tonnage.

“The results reflect a sustained recovery in demand, supported in part by shifts in international trade flows. The Panama Canal also maintained a maximum draft of 50 feet throughout the dry season, providing favorable operating conditions for its customers,” the Canal Authority said.

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