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Houston spends millions to woo post-Panamax ships

Aug 26, 2016
As giant ships navigate through the widened Panama canal, Houston is ready for them.
The Port of Houston’s Bayport Container Terminal features nine new cranes that can load and unload post-Panamax ships. 
Gail Delaughter/Houston Public Media

The canal has made Panama rich, but inequality persists

With over a quarter of its citizens in poverty, Panama has one of the worst income distributions in Latin America.
The view of downtown Panama City from Boca la Caja, a former fishing village.
Bill Lancz/Marketplace

Have we reached peak trade?

If trade growth stalls, what does that mean for the American worker?
The Port of Balboa, viewed from the Diablo neighborhood, located in the former Panama Canal Zone.
Bill Lancz/Marketplace

What happens when shipping lines build for growth that never comes

The shipping industry is seeing prices collapse as slowing global trade growth drags down demand.
A container ship exits the Panama Canal toward the Pacific Ocean, with the Balboa Yacht Club in the fore.
Justin Ho/Marketplace

Inching global trade growth, through the eyes of a Caterpillar

Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar is facing declines on par with those it faced during the Great Recession.
The Port of Balboa on Panama's Pacific entrance, viewed from Ancon Hill.
Justin Ho/Marketplace

Cuban migrants scramble to claim special status in US

May 25, 2016
Some worry — others hope — improving ties with US may change special privileges.
It took Cuban migrant Henry Salgera about three months to make it to the U.S. He said his bag — containing clothes, some medicine, deodorant and water — is all he carried with him.
Kimberly Adams/Marketplace

Panama Canal expansion brings competition for East Coast ports

Mar 14, 2012
The Panama Canal is getting a makeover, and it could be a gamechanger for Atlantic coast ports -- that is, if those ports are ready in time.

For public good, not for profit.

The future of U.S. ports after Panama Canal growth

Mar 13, 2012
It's possible America's busiest ports may not stay busy. Southern California currently receives most of the imports shipped from Asia. But that could change with a major expansion of the Panama Canal.

President of Panama on the state of the global economy

Nov 22, 2011
Ricardo Martinelli talks about how the debt crises in the U.S. and Europe are affecting his country, and how Panama is continuing to grow.