Tariff Increases in the U.S.: Turn the Tariff Crisis into a Competitive Advantage
The recent tariff hikes imposed by the United States have triggered a domino effect across international trade—especially for companies importing from Asia and Europe. However, within this challenging landscape lies a strategic opportunity: relocating your logistics operations to the Colón Free Zone (CFZ) in Panama, supported by a specialized 3PL operator like Global Cargo Panamá.
Here’s how you can benefit:
Reduced Import Costs and Fiscal Flexibility
Operating from the CFZ allows you to store, consolidate, transform, or re-export goods without paying import, export, or income taxes. Instead of facing steep U.S. tariffs, you can use the CFZ as your operational base to redistribute products across Latin America.
What we offer at Global Cargo:
- Short- and long-term bonded warehousing
- Container deconsolidation
- Repackaging and relabeling
- Light transformation and product assembly
Regional Distribution Hub with Strategic Connectivity
Panama offers unmatched connectivity: direct access to ports on both oceans, the Panama Canal, and efficient air freight routes. From here, you can reach Central America, South America, and the Caribbean in under 72 hours.
Our logistics services at Global Cargo:
- Fulfillment centers for B2B and B2C
- Cross-docking and direct shipments
- Ground, air, and maritime transportation
- Route planning by destination and demand
Nearshoring and Value-Added Production: “Made in Panama”
A rising solution is nearshoring—bringing parts of your assembly, transformation, or light manufacturing closer to your target markets, such as the U.S. Panama, through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI), allows companies to obtain a “Made in Panama” Certificate of Origin if specific transformation or local value-added requirements are met. This certificate is crucial, as it enables products to enter the U.S. under preferential tariff conditions, depending on applicable trade agreements (such as the Panama–U.S. Trade Promotion Agreement).
At Global Cargo, we support you with:
- Repackaging, relabeling, and transformation
- Kitting and customs compliance
- Logistical prep for MICI certification
- Coordination with trade consultants for origin certification
A Smarter Alternative to Traditional U.S. Channels
Many brands previously distributing from the U.S. are now exploring more cost-effective alternatives. The CFZ enables companies to manage international goods without the tax and regulatory burden of U.S. territory.
Our added value includes:
- Consolidating products from multiple suppliers
- Coordinating customs clearance and regional documentation
- Supporting your operations without the need for subsidiaries in each country
Bridge Between Asia and Latin America
Suppliers from China, India, Vietnam, and other Asian countries are already redirecting shipments to Panama’s CFZ to avoid U.S. trade barriers while continuing to serve Latin America efficiently.
Global Cargo’s expertise includes:
- Handling FCL and LCL maritime freight from Asia
- Direct coordination with shipping lines
- Receiving, inventory management, and immediate redistribution from Panama
From Uncertainty to Strategic Opportunity
If your company is impacted by the rising U.S. tariffs, Global Cargo Panamá can help you design a more profitable, flexible, and regionally integrated supply chain. The Colón Free Zone not only exempts you from taxes—it also brings you closer to your markets. Contact us today and turn this tariff crisis into a long-term advantage for your business.