Marine Forwarding

Free trade agreement

U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement

Panama · In force since October 31, 2012

The US Trade Representative lists this agreement as in force with Panama. In 2025 US exports to Panama came to $8.9 billion, and imports from there to $659.5 million.

Request a rate quote (757) 857-4141
US exports, 2025
$8.9B
US imports, 2025
$659.5M
Claim prefix
PAOn the entry summary

Top goods each way, 2025

US exports to Panama

Mineral fuels and oils (chapter 27) led US exports to Panama at $4.2 billion, 47% of the total. The top three chapters made up 64%.

  1. 27Mineral fuels and oils$4.2 billion46.8%
  2. 88Aircraft and spacecraft$1.0 billion11.5%
  3. 84Machinery and mechanical appliances$465.6 million5.2%
  4. 98Special classification provisions$369.1 million4.1%
  5. 85Electrical machinery and equipment$300.2 million3.4%

US imports from Panama

Special classification provisions (chapter 98) led US imports from Panama at $204.7 million, 31% of the total. The top three chapters made up 66%.

  1. 98Special classification provisions$204.7 million31.0%
  2. 71Precious stones, metals and jewelry$147.2 million22.3%
  3. 03Fish and seafood$81.0 million12.3%
  4. 85Electrical machinery and equipment$67.2 million10.2%
  5. 17Sugar and confectionery$30.1 million4.6%

Claiming the lower duty on US imports

From 19 CFR Part 10, Subpart S, as published on eCFR.

An importer can claim the agreement's preferential tariff treatment on the basis of a certification prepared by the importer, the exporter or the producer, or on the importer's own knowledge that the good is originating (19 CFR 10.2003). The claim is made on the entry summary by putting “PA” before the HTSUS subheading of each qualifying good (19 CFR 10.2003).

The certification can be written or electronic, in no prescribed format, and a blanket certification can cover identical goods for up to 12 months. The importer submits a copy when CBP asks for it (19 CFR 10.2004).

No copy of the certification is required for a non-commercial importation, or for a commercial importation of originating goods valued at $2,500 or less, unless CBP finds the shipment is one of a series split up to avoid the requirement (19 CFR 10.2006).

The importer keeps the records that show the goods qualify for at least five years from the date of importation (19 CFR 10.2007).

If no claim was made at entry, the importer can claim a refund of the excess duties within one year of the date of importation (19 CFR 10.2010).

The rules of origin for the agreement are set out in General Note 35 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Paperwork

Our certificates of origin page covers origin paperwork for exports, and import customs clearance covers the entry side. The US Trade Representative publishes the agreement text and summary.

Other US free trade agreements

Sources