IMA suspends electric vehicle procurement in Panama

The Instituto de Mercadeo Agropecuario (IMA) has suspended the acquisition of electric pick-up vehicles following a directive from the Contraloría General de la República and the Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas (MEF).

The suspension follows Circular No. 31-2026-DC-DNFG, signed by Comptroller General Anel Flores and Economy Minister Felipe Chapman. The directive orders a total halt on the purchase of new vehicles within the public sector to contain public spending and optimize resources, accounting for both initial acquisition costs and ongoing operational expenses such as fuel, repairs, and insurance.

While the IMA noted that the procurement process was being conducted under Law No. 295 of 2022—which mandates that state institutions progressively transition to 40% electric fleets by 2030—the institution confirmed it will comply with the new austerity measures to maintain fiscal discipline and transparency.