The horror bridge collapse in Maryland will result in widespread disruption to trade but Americans are set to avoid a return to the supply chain chaos seen during the Covid-19 crisis, experts have said.
Shipping has been suspended at the Port of Baltimore after a cargo vessel bound for Asia crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge early Tuesday morning.
Six people are feared missing in freezing waters while the impact of the collision sent cars plunging into the waterway.
Trade experts have warned that widespread disruption is expected as city chiefs scramble to clear debris and open shipping lanes before attempting to rebuild the bridge.
They also claim that there will be calls to cut dependency on imports.
The automobile and agricultural sectors will most likely be impacted.
Tinglong Dai, a business expert at Johns Hopkins University, warned there could be up to seven months of disruption.
“It is a 1.5-mile long bridge. It’s not going to be built in a couple of months. It’s not going to happen within three or four months,” he told The U.S. Sun.
He believes that the automobile and logistical industries will be among the most impacted.
Major brands such as Amazon and FedEx have distribution warehouses near the port, but the Port of Baltimore’s share of trade along the East Coast is relatively smaller compared to its New York and New Jersey counterparts.
Darren Spinck, an associate fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, alluded to the areas where there could be delays.
“There will be supply [chain] delays on the East Coast with car imports, including Jaguar Land Rovers,” he said.
