Panama Canal cuts daily transits to 32 amid drought, second restriction this year

The Panama Canal Authority will reduce daily transits to 32 from 36 starting Tuesday, citing a rainfall deficit affecting the Gatun and Alhajuela reservoirs, which also supply water to half of Panama's population. This is the second restriction this year, signaling persistent water stress. The move will likely increase shipping delays and costs for global trade routes, though the impact is moderate given the modest reduction.