How the Baltimore Bridge Disaster Could Impact Supply Chains, Local Economy

The Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster at the Port of Baltimore is expected to produce a ripple effect for both the local and national economy—from supply chain disruptions to potential inflationary pressures. As officials and experts examine the fallout after a cargo ship struck the bridge, causing its collapse, experts are debating how a closed Baltimore port could affect trade flows. The Baltimore port accounts for 4 percent of East Coast trade and has transformed into a central trade hub that ranks ninth among U.S. harbors. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the port currently ranks 17th in total tonnage and 10th in dry bulk tonnage....