TL;DR: The Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore disrupts port operations, affecting agriculture exports and imports. The incident highlights supply chain vulnerabilities, impacting local farmers and manufacturers, and emphasising the need for resilient infrastructure in supporting trade.
On March 26, a container ship collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing its collapse and the unfortunate loss of six construction workers. This accident not only leaves a permanent scar on the families of those lost but also severs crucial transport links for the Port of Baltimore. In 2021, the port handled over 37 million short tons of cargo, ranking 17th in the US for cargo volume.
Maryland’s government reports that the port contributes over $3.3 billion in personal income, supports 15,330 direct jobs, and is linked to 139,190 related jobs. As the bridge’s ruins block maritime traffic, the economic consequences grow increasingly severe. This article examines the blockade’s potential effects on agriculture.
The USDA’s Global Agricultural Trade System shows the volume and value of agricultural trade through Baltimore, highlighting the port’s significance to the agricultural sector. In 2023, Baltimore exported 605,000 metric tons (MT) of agricultural goods, worth nearly $650 million. This includes significant shipments of soybeans and forest products, underscoring the port’s role in US agri-trade.
On the import side, Baltimore processed 1.59 MT of agricultural products in 2023, worth nearly $3.34 billion. It was a primary entry point for over a quarter of all US-imported raw beet and cane sugar, as well as significant volumes of forest products, industrial alcohols, spices, and coffee. Despite its relatively minor overall role in US agriculture, the port’s closure could have a notable impact, particularly on local and regional businesses.
Sugar refineries and agricultural equipment manufacturers are among those potentially hardest hit by the disruption. The Port of Baltimore is a key hub for roll on/roll off (Ro/Ro) cargo, including farm machinery. In 2023, Ro/Ro cargo surpassed automobile shipments, emphasising the port’s importance to the agri-equipment sector. With spring planting season approaching, delays in receiving equipment could be particularly impactful.
While most farmers have likely secured their fertiliser for the season, the blockage might still lead to logistical challenges and increased input prices for those awaiting deliveries. The broader cargo system, reliant on punctual arrivals and departures, faces backlogs, pushing businesses to seek alternative shipping routes and ports.
The collapse of the Key Bridge has highlighted the interconnectedness of global trade and local economies, especially within the agricultural sector. While the Port of Baltimore’s direct contribution to US agri-trade is relatively small, its closure impacts local farmers, sugar refineries, and equipment manufacturers significantly. These disruptions serve as a reminder of the fragility of our supply chains and the importance of robust infrastructure to sustain agriculture and trade.
