Panama Canal: El Niño cut daily transits

06/04/2026

During the 2023–24 El Niño drought, daily Panama Canal transits fell to 24 vessels (versus the usual 36), with draft restrictions set at 44 feet. NOAA warns the 2026–27 El Niño could again lower Gatún Lake levels and replicate these disruptions, directly impacting regional agrifood trade.

(Noll,2026)

Noll, B. (2026, abril 6). Super El Niño chances increasing risks. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2026/04/06/super-el-nino-chances-increasing-risks/

Go to Evidence

Panama Canal: El Niño cut daily transits

Sectors:

Thematic Areas:

Countries:

Indicators: