The Panama Canal was in the spotlight in early 2025. As the United States’ fractious relations with China ratcheted up into a full-scale trade war, US president Donald Trump proclaimed that this vital thoroughfare for international shipping was, in fact, under the control of his geopolitical rival. The effects of this tension have rippled through international logistics – yet another disruptive force for an industry navigating warzones, climate change and fragile supply chains.

Panama City therefore made a relevant host for APLA’s 27th annual Latin American logistics industry conference. Representatives from the shipping, transport and chemical industries, and other relevant stakeholders, gathered in Panama on 20-21 May 2025 to discuss their sectors’ key points of crossover, shared challenges, and visions for the future. At this delicate moment for international relations and trade, Latin America’s chemical and logistics industries identified the challenges to face, and opportunities to seize.

With panellists and attendees arriving from throughout Latin America, it also provided a chance to share learnings and best practices with far-flung regional partners. The conference provided an important and open forum for discussing of a wide range of topics including geopolitics, sustainable fuels, artificial intelligence, port upgrades, driver shortages and more.