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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Panama: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Panama source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are shrimp, tilapia; typical water temperatures are 24–31 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.20 per kWh.

Panama's shrimp ponds and offshore cobia projects benefit from dollarised budgeting and canal logistics for equipment imports.

Open the Panama fish farm cost calculatorRequest a reviewed quote

Key planning facts

Main species
shrimp, tilapia
Common systems
Ponds, Cages, RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
24–31 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.20 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 1.00 / m³
Compound feed
≈ $1 / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
7%
Currency
USD
Licensing authority
ARAP (Autoridad de los Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá)
Main import ports
Balboa, Colón and Manzanillo

What to check before requesting quotes in Panama

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (24–31 °C) for shrimp.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.20/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with ARAP (Autoridad de los Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá).
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Balboa, Colón and Manzanillo.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 1.00 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 7% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Panama?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Panama costs roughly $2M – $3.2M in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Panama?

Commercial projects in Panama mainly focus on shrimp, tilapia.

Who licenses aquaculture in Panama?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve ARAP (Autoridad de los Recursos Acuáticos de Panamá). Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Panama questions: see the market FAQ

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