The big picture: The Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest in the U.S., has halted vessel traffic indefinitely in the wake of the bridge's collapse — which is expected to affect the flow of commerce in the U.S.

The Port of Baltimore is the top handler in the U.S. of imports and exports of cars and light trucks, according to a recent press release from Gov Moore's office. His office called it "one of the largest economic generators" in the state.

It also ranks ninth among U.S. harbors for both tonnage and dollar value of foreign cargo passing through.
By the numbers: In 2023, the port handled a record 52.3 million tons of international cargo, worth about $80.8 billion, according to state's archives.

The port supports more than 15,000 direct jobs and more than 139,000 indirect jobs connected to the port, generating almost $3.3 billion in total personal income.