US Import Tariffs from Panama
Applicable Tariff Rates for Panama-Origin Goods
The following rates apply to goods with Panama country of origin imported into the United States. All rates are ad valorem (percentage of customs value) unless noted.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Applies To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN / General Rate | Varies by HTS code | All goods (baseline) | In Effect |
| US-Panama TPA Preferential Rate | 0% (qualifying goods) | Goods meeting rules of origin | In Effect |
Panama is a US-Panama TPA partner. Qualifying goods can enter the US at 0% duty — but you must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and meet rules of origin requirements. Verify classification and ROO before claiming preferential treatment.
Top US Imports from Panama
These product categories represent the highest-volume imports from Panama into the United States. Each category has specific HTS codes, duty rates, and compliance requirements.
Get the Exact HTS Code + Duty Rate
Enter your product description. Our AI classifier returns the correct HTS code, applicable duty rates, and Panama Section 301/FTA status.
CBP Compliance for Panama-Origin Goods
US-Panama TPA in force. Panama is trans-shipment hub — origin documentation critical. OFAC Colon Free Zone compliance.
Country of Origin Requirements
All goods imported from Panama must be marked with their country of origin per CBP regulations (19 CFR 134). Goods must be "substantially transformed" in Panama to claim Panama origin — assembly alone is typically insufficient.
Trans-shipment hub — origin fraud risk. Scrap metal classification and valuation.
Landed Cost from Panama
Get a complete cost breakdown including duty, MPF, HMF, freight, and insurance for Panama-origin shipments.
Common Questions About Importing from Panama
The blended average US tariff rate for imports from Panama is approximately 0% (TPA qualifying). This rate reflects a weighted average across the country's top exported product categories to the US. Panama benefits from the US-Panama TPA, which may reduce or eliminate duties for qualifying goods. Actual rates depend on the specific 10-digit HTS code of the imported product.
Yes. Panama has a trade agreement with the US: US-Panama TPA (US-Panama TPA (0% qualifying)). Qualifying goods may enter at preferential (often 0%) duty rates, but must meet the agreement's rules of origin requirements. Importers must file the appropriate certificate of origin documentation with CBP to claim preferential rates.
Panama is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. Only China-origin goods face Section 301 additional duties. Section 232 tariffs (25% on steel, 10% on aluminum) apply to Panama with potential quota or exemption arrangements under US-Panama TPA for steel and aluminum products.
Importing from Panama — Complete 2026 Analysis
US–Panama Trade Relationship
The US-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA, effective October 2012) provides duty-free treatment for most goods. Panama's primary trade significance is the Panama Canal — the world's most important maritime chokepoint for US trade. Direct Panamanian exports include seafood, bananas, and sugar.
Practical Import Guidance for Panama-Origin Goods
US-Panama TPA provides 0% on most industrial goods. Agricultural TRQs apply for some products. Panama's logistics hub status means many goods transship through Panama — verify true country of origin. Seafood imports require FDA inspection. Duty-free benefits under TPA require certificate of origin documentation.
Key Risks and Compliance Considerations
Transshipment scrutiny (Panama Canal hub). TPA ROO documentation. Agricultural TRQ limits. Canal disruptions (drought-related capacity restrictions in 2023-2024 set precedent).
Total Tariff Stack for Panama-Origin Imports
Understanding the cumulative tariff layers for Panama is essential for accurate landed cost calculation:
- Base MFN Rate: 0% (TPA qualifying) (varies by HTS code)
- US-Panama TPA Preferential Rate: 0% for qualifying goods with proper documentation
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value (min $31.67, max $614.35 per entry)
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value (ocean shipments only)
For a complete breakdown of your specific product's tariff exposure from Panama, order a $19 Tariff Exposure Report.
Tools for Panama Importers
Other US Trading Partner Tariff Profiles
Tariff rates are sourced from USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Federal Register notices as of 2026-05-16. Section 301 rates reflect current USTR actions. Always verify with official sources before importing. AI-assisted analysis provided for informational purposes only — not legal or customs advice.