Trade and manufacturing are the sectors that contributed the most to the year-on-year variation of 3.1% registered during the second month of the year in the economic activity index.

From a report compiled by the General Comptroller of the Republic:

The Monthly Index of Economic Activity (IMAE) in the Republic, for the period January-February 2018, grew by 3.85%, compared to the same period in 2017. The inter – annual monthly variation of February 2018, compared to the same month in 2017, was 3.10%. 

The main categories of economic activity that presented a favorable performance were: trade, transport, storage and communications (includes canal, ports and aviation), manufacturing industries, public administration, construction, electricity and water, and fishing.

Commercial activity, one of the most important categories in the economy, was driven by demand from local commerce; and the Colon Free Zone. Transport and communications services showed favorable behavior, due to the net tons of the Panama Canal, and telecommunications.  

The category of manufacturing industries registered positive results in activities such as the manufacture of alcoholic beverages and the elaboration of food products.

See full report (in Spanish).