The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore dramatically tumbled into the water in a matter of seconds early Tuesday morning when a massive cargo ship piled with containers lost power leaving the port; the vessel had few minutes to issue a mayday to halt vehicle traffic over the bridge and attempt to warn a road construction crew working the early morning hours overnight.
The collapse of the bridge along Interstate 695 leaves in its wake both tragedy, as recovery efforts continue to find those who were plunged into the Patapsco River, and uncertainty, as industries ranging from sugar to automobiles assess the weeks ahead. While only the 17th largest port in the nation, the Port of Baltimore is key for those two industries, coal, and others, with the Maryland port home to a major Domino Sugar refinery and a hub for heavy cargo and inbound coal shipments.
The Soy Transportation Coalition reports the top five agricultural products handled (import and export combined) at the Port of Baltimore are:
1.) Sugar
2.) Soybeans
3.) Grain products (including corn and wheat)
4.) Coffee
5.) Grocery Items
STC Executive Director Mike Steenhoek said, “While [in context] the Port of Baltimore is not a significant port region for soybeans and grain, it is a significant resource for the broader economy. It also underscores the reality that while our oceans are vast and expansive, the ports that serve as the origins and destinations for global commerce can be vulnerable – whether due to weather, accident, or attack. Investing in, maintaining, and securing these essential links in our national and global economy must remain a national priority.”
In this article from the Washington Post, Steenhoek mentions the domino effect from a single port being down on other ports, given many vessels make multiple stops on their way overseas.
Approximately $250 million in soybeans exports shipped from the Port of Baltimore in calendar year 2023. See more on soybeans below in our “What We’re Watching” section. ASA is continuing to monitor the situation from both shipping and hauling perspectives, as farming equipment and inputs are likely to be impacted by this event. Soybean farmers, especially those on the Delmarva Peninsula and surrounding areas, are encouraged to contact ASA staff so that impacts may be relayed to appropriate federal entities.
