Chiquita's Exit from Panama: 5,000 Job Losses and a Province in Crisis

Chiquita's Departure from Panama Triggers Economic Crisis in Bocas del Toro Changuinola, Panama – The June 2025 announcement by Chiquita Brands International of its withdrawal from Panama has sent shockwaves through the Bocas del Toro province. The company's departure has resulted in the loss of nearly 5,000 jobs, triggering a strike by banana workers and a broader economic crisis. The video report by TVN Noticias highlights the devastating impact on the local community, where banana cultivation has been the primary source of income for over 120 years. "Por más de 120 años, la vida en Changuinola...ha girado en torno a una sola palabra: el banano," states Isaias Cedeño, the TVN Noticias journalist featured in the video. The video shows the scale of the crisis, with scenes of empty streets, closed businesses, and workers protesting the job losses. The economic fallout is substantial. According to the video, losses have already exceeded $75 million. The lack of government diversification strategies to support the economy in the face of Chiquita's departure is also underscored. The situation is dire, with thousands of people facing unemployment and uncertainty. The video concludes with a call for the government to address the crisis and develop strategies for economic diversification in Bocas del Toro, preventing similar crises in the future.