Impact of Baltimore Port Closure on US States

As the dust settles on the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the Port of Baltimore's closure impact is coming to light. It's not just a local issue—it's a big deal for several states, especially when it comes to exports.

Here's a quick snapshot of the situation from a post by Supply Chain Professor, Jason Miller:

• Wisconsin leads the pack, with over $4.4 billion in transportation equipment exports. Think finished motor vehicles revving their way out.

• Iowa follows with $2.7 billion in machinery shipments.

• Pennsylvania ranks third, exporting mining products, wood products, and transportation equipment.

Other notable mentions include:

• Maryland: Primarily exporting machinery, tech gadgets, and chemicals

• West Virginia: Known for its coal shipments.

• Michigan: Another hub for motor vehicles.

Now, what makes these findings stand out? The total export shipment value we're looking at is $15.5 billion, with a mere 2% discrepancy from the Census Bureau's data.

What This Means

• Surprising Stats: Wisconsin and Iowa taking the top spots is quite the revelation, underscoring their significant roles in the export game.

• Granular Data: The detailed analysis from the Commodity Flow Survey (CFS) helps pinpoint exactly which states and industries are most impacted.

Mid-Atlantic Trucking Impact

Reverberations are also felt for truckers in the Mid-Atlantic. he need to swiftly reposition equipment, find chassis, and secure drivers for diverted freight is pressing. Importers and logistics providers are learning costly lessons as they scramble to connect freight from alternate ports to mid-Atlantic distribution networks. This messy situations shows the fragility of relying on a single node within a broader transport network.

And now, with Baltimore out of the picture for a bit, it's a scramble to figure out new routes and solutions that don't break the bank or the clock.

Looking Ahead

The closure of the Port of Baltimore has a ripple effect on the supply chain. States like Wisconsin and Iowa are at the forefront, feeling the pinch in a big way. As we move forward, we can expect businesses and policymakers to strategize on mitigating these impacts. The granular data provided could be a goldmine for developing targeted solutions and reshaping the export landscape.

Source: Jason Miller/LinkedIn | Journal of Commerce

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