Panama City has officially launched its Christmas season with the arrival of the first natural pine tree shipments from the United States and Canada. The festive imports, a beloved tradition in Panamanian homes, started clearing agricultural quarantine this weekend. This annual customs process ensures the holiday trees do not introduce foreign pests into the local ecosystem.
Agricultural authorities reported that seven containers of trees from Canada were processed over the weekend. Another seven containers originating from the state of Oregon are expected to arrive by the end of the week. These shipments mark the beginning of a busy import season that typically brings around 60,000 natural trees into the country to meet consumer demand.
Ensuring Biosecurity for the Holidays
Before any trees reach local vendors, specialists from the Ministry of Agricultural Development (Panama) conduct thorough inspections. Each container and its contents are checked for insects or diseases. This critical Agricultural Quarantine step protects Panama’s agriculture and natural environments from potential invasive species.
Luis Benavides of the Agricultural Quarantine agency explained the inspection protocol. He confirmed the recent arrivals and detailed the sources of Panama’s holiday pines.
We notified the arrival of seven containers from Canada this weekend, and we expect another seven from the state of Oregon by the end of the week, [Translated from Spanish] Benavides said. The trees from Oregon are cultivated specifically for this season, while those from Canada come from natural forests.
A single shipping container can hold between 500 and 600 individual trees. This volume allows the seasonal market to flourish, providing families with their preferred centerpiece for holiday decorations.
Consumer Preferences Drive the Market
Panamanian consumers show a distinct preference for trees with a strong, natural fragrance. This characteristic often influences their purchasing decisions more than any other factor. The imported trees include several varieties, some of which are renowned for their potent seasonal scent.
Benavides noted that this aromatic quality is what many local buyers actively seek. The smell of the pine is intrinsically linked to the Christmas experience for countless families. It signals the start of a time for celebration and togetherness.
Among these pines, there are some varieties that have more scent than others, and that is what Panamanians like the most: the smell of Christmas, [Translated from Spanish] Benavides explained.
The arrival and subsequent inspection of these first containers trigger the official start of the holiday shopping period. Retailers will now begin distributing the trees to lots and stores across the country. For many citizens, selecting and setting up the natural tree is a cherished family ritual that kicks off the month of December festivities. This annual import operation seamlessly blends international trade with deep-seated local tradition.