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USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) has advised U.S. onion exporters against shipping to Panama until local supply decreases and Panama updates its import policy.
On January 2, 2026, U.S. onion exports to Panama met the 2026 tariff rate quota limit of 1,077 metric tons. Panamanian officials halted subsequent imports, citing an oversupply of national production. The decision left eleven containers of U.S. onions stranded at port, and all were eventually re-directed to other markets to avoid spoilage.
U.S. exporters should not ship onions to Panama until local supply decreases and Panama updates its
import policy. Since August 2020, Panama has imposed volume restrictions on onion and potato imports based on decisions made by local producer associations.
