Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Pitney Bowes
$9.57/kg
5-12 days
Fastest option
UPS
1-3 days
$38.66/kg
Duty-free under
$100
VAT / Sales Tax: 7%
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Data as of April 2026
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$7.18
Pitney Bowes
5-12 d
Clothing 2kg
$13.86
Pitney Bowes
Box 5kg
$23.93
Pitney Bowes
Heavy 10kg
$40.18
Pitney Bowes
16 results
Express
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$9.57
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$9.57
Standard
Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$10.34
Economy
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$10.34
Express
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$10.89
Economy
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$10.89
Priority Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$17.36
First-Class Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$17.36
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$20.65
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$26.64
Express Worldwide
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$34.34
Economy Select
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$34.34
International Priority
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$36.47
International Economy
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
4–6 days
Estimated Price
$36.47
Express Saver
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$38.66
Expedited
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$38.66
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Estimated arrival
May 4, 2026 — June 1, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $100 USD
| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitney BowesExpress | $10.24 | $9.57 | -6.5% |
| Pitney BowesStandard | $10.24 | $9.57 | -6.5% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Standard | $9.72 | $10.34 | +6.4% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Economy | $9.72 | $10.34 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Express | $10.24 | $10.89 | +6.3% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Economy | $10.24 | $10.89 | +6.3% |
| USPSPriority Mail International | $17.53 | $17.36 | -1% |
| USPSFirst-Class Mail International | $17.53 | $17.36 | -1% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 5-15% (smartphones 5%, laptops 5%, TVs 15%, Colón FTZ goods may be 0%) |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 10-15% (knitted garments 10%, woven shirts 15%) |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 10-15% (leather shoes 10%, sports shoes 15%) |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 5-40% (rice 30-40%, meat 25-30%, dairy 15-25%, processed food 5-15%) |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-5% (industrial machinery 0%, agricultural 0%) |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 5-10% (perfumes 10%, skincare 5%) |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 5-10% (basic toys 5%, electronic toys 10%) |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas (ANA, ana.gob.pa). SIGA electronic customs system. Colón Free Trade Zone (Zona Libre de Colón), largest free trade zone in the Western Hemisphere, second globally after Hong Kong. Panama Canal makes the country a global logistics crossroads. ITBMS (VAT) at 7% on imports. FTAs with US (TPA), EU, Central America, and many others.
One of Latin America's best logistics hubs. Colón Free Trade Zone makes Panama a global shipping hub, goods for re-export enter duty-free. Non-FTZ imports follow normal clearance in 2-3 days. ITBMS at 7% is very low for the region. US dollar is legal tender (no exchange rate risk). DHL, FedEx, UPS, Copa Airlines cargo well-established. Courier clearance 1-2 days. Postal mail via COTEL 1-2 weeks. Tocumen International Airport is a major regional hub.
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: TPA certificate for US preferential rates. FTA certificates for EU, Central America, Singapore, and other partners. Issued by MICI (Ministry of Commerce) or Cámara de Comercio de Panamá. Colón Free Zone has separate documentation. Import licenses: Required for firearms, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food products (sanitary registration via AUPSA). DEPA for pharmaceutical imports. Colón Free Zone imports exempt from most licensing for re-export goods.
Limited direct trade data between US and PA. Most shipping routes go via major logistics hubs in Europe, UAE, or Singapore.
Key imports into PA: Consumer goods, machinery, electronics. Key exports from US: Electronics, machinery, aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, agricultural goods (soybeans, corn). High import duties common. Accurate value declaration important to avoid seizure.
Based on shipper reports, delivery from US to PA takes 7-21 days depending on the service. Express couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer faster delivery in 3-7 days. Accurate customs declarations are recommended to speed up the process.
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
US and PA are both members of the following trade agreements: WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT/GST rate: 7% (ITBMS). Applies to: CIF value + duty. ITBMS at 7%. Alcohol and tobacco at 10-15%. Basic food basket and medicines exempt.
We found 16 shipping options from United States to Panama. The cheapest option is Pitney Bowes (Express) starting from $9.57 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) in 1–3 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
Duty-free threshold
$100
VAT / Sales Tax
7%
Average duty rate
10%
Note: Uses USD; Colon Free Zone for re-exports
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
The most affordable option for shipping from United States to Panama is typically Pitney Bowes (Express), starting from approximately $9.57 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
Delivery times from United States to Panama range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-3 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United States to Panama. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to Panama. The duty-free threshold is $100. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (7%) and import duties (average 10%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
Items prohibited for import into PA include: Drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, certain agricultural products. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
To ship from US to PA you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, customs declaration. Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Yes, US and PA share the following trade agreements: WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
High import duties common. Accurate value declaration important to avoid seizure. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
The de minimis threshold for PA is $100. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
VAT/GST rate: 7% (ITBMS). CIF value + duty. ITBMS at 7%. Alcohol and tobacco at 10-15%. Basic food basket and medicines exempt.
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