Chiquita Panama announced the permanent closure of production at one entire banana farm and parts of two others in Bocas del Toro following labor strikes. This decision resulted in approximately 450 employees losing their jobs.
The strikes, lasting over 15 days, led to the temporary closure of Chiquita's Changuinola offices and the relocation of executives to Costa Rica. As of May 8th, 900,000 boxes of bananas remained unexported, incurring losses exceeding $10 million.
Bananas are a major export for Panama (17.5% of total exports in Q1 2025), and this disruption threatens the country's export sector. The main markets affected are the Netherlands, Taiwan, and the United States.
Chiquita has faced recurring labor disputes in Changuinola, with an estimated 100 roadblocks annually. The company controls approximately 90% of Panama's banana production; Bocas del Toro is crucial to national agricultural output.
Workers' demands center around the repeal of a pension reform law.