On December 18, 2024, the Panama Canal Authority delivered an annual contribution of $2.47 billion to the national treasury of Panama, marking 25 years of Panamanian administration of the interoceanic route.
President José Raúl Mulino received the funds during a ceremonial event at the Cocolí locks control tower. The financial statement for the fiscal year from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, reported an economic surplus of approximately $1.95 billion from operations, alongside $516 million from tonnage fees.
Mulino emphasized that despite facing challenges such as drought, the figures reflect the Canal's significant role in international trade. He indicated that these funds would be allocated to the national budget to support state management and fund future projects aimed at job creation.
Ricaurte Vásquez, the Administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, acknowledged the hard work of many Panamanians in maintaining the Canal's operations during a difficult year. He highlighted the importance of the Canal in contributing to the nation's development.
Both Mulino and Vásquez were joined by several officials, including the Canal's Deputy Administrator, Ilya Espino de Marota, and the Minister of Economy and Finance, Felipe Chapman, during the event.