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Transportation giant Federal Express recently announced progress in its plan to develop a pharmaceutical and medical device hub in Panama.

While the statement primarily dealt with logistics certifications and standards, FedEx made it clear that the growth in Panama is a top priority. And the announcement underscores Panama’s importance in another fast-growing industry.

Medicines are among Panama’s primary exports, Federal Express said in its announcement. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), from January to September 2025, the value of exported medicines reached nearly $34 million, with more than $5 million transported by air, FedEx reported.

“During the same period, imports exceeded $500 million, including $114 million arriving by air,” FedEx said. “In 2025, pharmaceutical exports transported by air are reaching their highest level in the past 10 years.”

In its latest announcement, FedEx announced that its ramp operations at Tocumen International Airport (PTY) have received “the prestigious CEIV Pharma Certification from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), reinforcing its commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical logistics.”

FedEx’s Panama operation at Tocumen International includes two temperature-controlled cold rooms. The local operation also has a direct connection to the FedEx hub in Memphis, Tennessee, operating five times per week with a Boeing 767 aircraft.

FedEx also noted that Panama has been a center of innovation for the company. “In terms of near real-time monitoring, Panama is one of the first markets in Latin America and the Caribbean where FedEx introduced two innovative solutions” to provide near real-time data on shipment locations and monitor shipment conditions.