The Trump administration said it would create a pilot trade platform in Panama under Pax Silica to speed shipments of goods needed for AI development between the US and trusted partners.

The US State Department said it would commit up to US$50 million in foreign assistance funding for the platform.

The platform is intended to use AI to speed logistics and compliance for high-value cargo, including AI infrastructure, semiconductors, and critical minerals.

State Department materials describe Pax Silica as a US-led AI and supply-chain security initiative spanning energy, critical minerals, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and software, with signatories and aligned participants.

Panama already runs SIGA and the PORTCEL trade portal, which enable paperless information exchange across customs and other government agencies, suggesting the US pilot may build on existing digital trade infrastructure.

The maritime angle may be more relevant for minerals and other inputs than for finished chips, which logistics providers typically ship by air.

🔗 Source: Bloomberg

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