Panama’s short-term economic outlook uncertain after mine closure, IMF says

Panama’s short-term economic outlook is subject to significant uncertainty, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday, as the nation deals with the fallout from the closure of a lucrative copper mine run by First Quantum.

Key risks to Panama’s economy include a potential loss of investment-grade status from credit rating agencies, further social unrest and international arbitration proceedings over the halt to copper mining, the IMF said in a statement.