Port of Baltimore disruptions could especially affect trade with Europe and of vessels and heavy machinery

On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, and since then, efforts to clear the channel for shipping are ongoing. The Port of Baltimore handled trade valuing $6.96 billion in April 2023, representing 4.43 percent of all US imports and 3.25 percent of all US exports that month. Fifty-two percent of all trade by value through the Port of Baltimore either originated from or was destined for Europe, and 31 percent to or from Asia.

Despite its small size in terms of overall US trade, Baltimore is an important entry and exit point for selected commodities, such as bulldozers, tractors, and many other forms of heavy machinery. On the import side, 8 percent of US metal imports entered via the Port of Baltimore, and on the export side, Baltimore exported 17 percent of the value of all vessels from the United States.

Logistical disruptions for the Port of Baltimore have been and continue to be significant. The question still remains on how well other ports on the east coast might absorb Baltimore’s share of trade, as logistics may be strained by labor flexibility, pier scheduling, and cargo volume limitations.

This PIIE Chart is adapted from Nicholas Sougiannis, Sherman Robinson, and Karen Thierfelder’s blog, “How much is the Port of Baltimore's closure disrupting US trade?”