Computers and Peripherals
A Top Export Prospect for Panama

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Market Estimates

(in US$ millions)	2010	2011	2012est	2013est
Total Market Size	$216	246	278	314
Total Local Production	0	0	0	0
Total Exports	0	0	0	0
Total Imports	216	246	278	314
Imports from the U.S.	125	197	212	251

The above statistics are unofficial estimates.

Overview

The following factors are responsible for the continued positive outlook of this sector:

Office automation is a growing trend in both the public and private sectors.
Import duties for computers (average 7% over CIF value) are relatively low.
There are many accessible computer suppliers both locally and abroad, particularly in the Miami area.
There is a growing computer culture, which resulted from government programs aimed at increasing the use of computers/Internet, and modernization of existing systems in government offices as well as in public schools.
There is a close connection with the U.S., particularly among young Panamanians who have gone to U.S. schools or look with favor on the social networking culture. Internet services, computer magazines, journals, and other literature from the U.S. are widely available.

Computer products from the U.S. are well received and are perceived as incorporating state-of-the-art technology. The U.S. has a strong position in this market with a market share over 60%. Prices for U.S. computers and peripherals are competitive against products from Korea, Taiwan and Japan. The most promising end users are banks, commercial establishments, universities, the Panama Canal, and government organizations.

Sub-Sector Best Prospects

Best prospects are personal computers, LAN equipment, laptops, and laser printers.

Opportunities

The government is a major computer user. It has been committed to increasing use and modernization of computer systems and has promoted the Internet access for most of the population. The Panama Canal and the banking sector are also important buyers of computer equipment and are always current with technology. The Panama Canal has set a high standard for the rest of the government by publicizing all public tenders, both upcoming and awarded, in a fully searchable database that is web-accessible to the public.

Web Resources

American Chamber of Commerce in Panama: http://www.panamcham.com.
Business Panama: http://www.businesspanama.com.
Panama Chamber of Commerce: http://www.panacamara.com.
Expocomer (Commercial Trade Show): http://www.expocomer.com.
IT and Telecom Chamber of Panama (CAPATEC): http://www.capatec.org.pa/.
Government of Panama’s Secretariat of Science/Technology/Innovation: http://www.senacyt.gob.pa/.
Panama Canal Authority: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/index.html

For More Information

The U.S. Commercial Service in Panama can be contacted via e-mail at: Enrique.Tellez@trade.gov;

Phone: 011-507-317-5080; or visit our website: http://www.export.gov/panama.

Print | Last Updated: 4/17/12 12:53 PM

Computers and Peripherals A Top Export Prospect for Panama

Computers and Peripherals
A Top Export Prospect for Panama