BALTIMORE, MD—The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore is breaking records after years of steady decline. According to data released by the state of Maryland, the port processed approximately 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo in 2023, shattering the previous record of 44.2 million tons in 2019.

The impressive number of foreign cargo arrivals is linked to a rebound in supply chain challenges that have impacted the international shipping industry. The port is one of the most important transportation hubs in the region, handling a significant portion of the nation’s imported goods. The increase in cargo volume has created jobs and boosted the local economy, generating an estimated 15,300 direct jobs and nearly 140,000 indirect jobs linked to port activities.

“Together, we aren’t just breaking records–we are creating jobs, growing our economy, and building new pathways to opportunity,” said Governor Wes Moore. “We must continue our work to make Maryland more competitive by investing in our greatest assets, including our world-class port.”

The port’s reopening in 2023 has also been met with a surge in car demand, with more than 847,158 cars and light trucks shipped out of the port, setting a record for the most cars and light trucks to ever be shipped in a single year.

The growth in car traffic is expected to continue in the coming years, as the port continues to attract new shipping lines and services. The expansion of the CSX-owned Howard Street Tunnel project, which will allow for double-stacked container rail cars, is also expected to boost trade volume by about 160,000 containers annually.

The Port of Baltimore is one of the most important transportation hubs in the region, handling a significant portion of the nation’s imported goods. The increase in cargo volume has created jobs and boosted the local economy, generating an estimated 15,300 direct jobs and nearly 140,000 indirect jobs linked to port activities.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.