Baltimore bridge collapse could impact global auto, coal supply chains

This comes close on the heels of major shipping disruption such as the Red Sea crisis and the drought in the Panama Canal that has already hit over one-third of the global goods trade at a time when WTO has predicted weak upward momentum in trade in 2024.

A general view shows the Francis Scott Key Bridge, as seen from the Baltimore side, following the bridge collapse, in Baltimore, Maryland.

The blockade of vessel traffic at the crucial Port of Baltimore in the US after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge on Tuesday could have a ripple effect chiefly on the global automotive vehicle and coal supply chain as operations at the port are expected to remain shut for months. However, experts have ruled out any direct impact on India’s trade.

This comes close on the heels of major shipping disruption such as the Red Sea crisis and the drought in the Panama Canal that has already hit over one-third of the global goods trade at a time when WTO has predicted weak upward momentum in trade in 2024.