On 14 March 2025, in Panama City, Panama, students of the University of Panama blocked the Transistmica Highway and clashed with riot police officers, that fired tear gas in response. The students opposed the reforms to the Social Security Fund (CSS)

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

On March 14, 2025, university students in Panama City blocked the Transistmica Highway and clashed with police in opposition to Social Security Fund (CSS) reforms. Currently assessed as low-grade risk, but transportation infrastructure disruption has occurred in the capital region near the Panama Canal.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Overland logistics delays: The Transistmica Highway is a major arterial road in Panama City, and blockades could cause short-term disruptions to port-inland cargo transport
• Panama Canal connected services: If capital region protests escalate, indirect impacts on canal-related support services (refueling, resupply, personnel movement) are a concern
• Central American overland transport: Panama is a key point in the Central American land corridor, and sustained protest expansion risks cascading delays in regional logistics networks

3. Watch points

• Protest expansion: Monitor whether social security reform issues spread nationwide and impact major port areas (Balboa, Colon)
• Government response: Track CSS reform bill processing schedule and changes in government negotiation stance affecting protest intensity