Market
Fresh plum (HS 080940) in Panama functions primarily as an import-supplied consumer fruit, with trade volumes small relative to major fruit categories. UN Comtrade data via WITS indicates Panama imported about 540,688 kg valued at about USD 1.03 million in 2023. In the same dataset for 2023, Chile is a leading recorded supplier to Panama (about 265,847 kg; USD 473 thousand), with the United States also supplying smaller volumes (about 48,907 kg; USD 135 thousand). Market access and continuity are highly sensitive to Panama’s phytosanitary/quarantine controls at ports and airports, which can create delay-and-spoilage risk for this highly perishable product in a tropical climate.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (Net importer)
Domestic RolePrimarily consumed as an imported fresh stone fruit; domestic production is not evidenced as significant in the cited trade/official phytosanitary sources
Risks
Phytosanitary HighEntry disruption risk is dominated by Panama’s phytosanitary/quarantine controls: MIDA quarantine inspectors sample and inspect imported regulated products at ports/airports/border, and MIDA has reported high volumes of pest interceptions in imported products and packaging (e.g., 1,289 insect pest interceptions reported for July–September 2025). For a highly perishable product like fresh plums, a hold, treatment, or rejection can quickly become a commercial loss via spoilage and missed retail windows.Before shipment, verify Panama MIDA phytosanitary import requirements for fresh plums for the specific country of origin; align orchard/packhouse pest controls and documentation to those requirements, and stage shipments with pre-arrival documentation readiness to minimize dwell-time under inspection.
Documentation Gap MediumCustoms clearance delays can be triggered by missing or incorrect import documentation (e.g., invoice, bill of lading/airway bill, packing list, or required permits for restricted goods), extending port/airport dwell-time and increasing spoilage risk for fresh plums.Use a Panama customs broker checklist aligned to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas documentation requirements; reconcile consignee/BL details, weights, and item description to avoid rework.
Logistics MediumCold-chain breaks and schedule variability (reefer availability, port congestion, inspection holds) can rapidly degrade plum quality in Panama’s tropical environment, increasing shrink and claims even when phytosanitary clearance is ultimately granted.Ship under validated temperature control with arrival-time contingencies; plan buffer for inspection sampling and prioritize fast transfer to importer cold storage upon release.
FAQ
What HS code is typically used to track fresh plum trade into Panama in international trade statistics?Fresh plums (and sloes) are commonly tracked under HS 080940 in international trade statistics, which is the code used in the cited UN Statistics Division classification and the UN Comtrade/WITS import series used for Panama.
How much fresh plum did Panama import in 2023, and which origins were key suppliers in the cited data?In 2023, UN Comtrade data as presented by WITS shows Panama imported about 540,688 kg of fresh plums (HS 080940) valued at about USD 1.03 million. In the same 2023 WITS series, Chile supplied about 265,847 kg (USD 473k) and the United States supplied about 48,907 kg (USD 135k), indicating multiple origins contribute to Panama’s supply.
What is the main phytosanitary clearance risk for fresh plums entering Panama?The main risk is quarantine/pest-related disruption: Panama’s MIDA sets phytosanitary import requirements and MIDA quarantine inspectors inspect and may sample shipments at points of entry. MIDA has also reported high volumes of pest interceptions in imported products and packaging, so non-compliance or interceptions can create delays or losses that are especially damaging for a perishable fruit like fresh plums.