The Port of Baltimore was humming along as it handled a record level of cargo in 2023. The collapse of the Key Bridge changed everything.

• The collapse of the Key Bridge has deeply impacted the economy across the Baltimore region.
• With the temporary closure of the Port of Baltimore, that impact also stretches across the country.
• Maryland Gov. Wes Moore spoke to Business Insider about the road to recovery after the collapse.

It's impossible to dispute the sheer importance of the Port of Baltimore to the United States economy.

In 2023, the Port of Baltimore handled a record 52.3 million tons of international cargo valued at nearly $81 billion. Tthe port supports more than 15,000 direct positions, with almost 140,000 jobs connected to its sprawling facility.