Baltimore Bridge – Japanese, Korean, German Makers at Risk

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The US Army Corps of Engineers is now removing wreckage, and looking at how to best remove a Singapore ship that hit Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key bridge last week to reopen the port to two-way traffic. Several major global automakers, their workers and customers are potentially affected. The Port of Baltimore is the busiest US port for automotive shipments, with more 847,000 cars and light trucks processed in 2023. (AutoInformed on March US Vehicle Sales Up. Record Q1 Consumer Spending!)

“Japan, Korea and Germany are the main origins for vehicles entering the US market, so brands with heavy production concentrations in those locations have the potential to be impacted more significantly, especially those in Europe,” said the GlobalData* consultancy. “It is no surprise that Hyundai and Toyota were the top importers, though General Motors (GM) was the third largest, with vehicles coming from Korea and China. VW Group is among the top 5 importers, while BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Stellantis are also exposed to potential disruption.”

“The diversion of ships to other viable ports will likely cause some bottlenecks, given the limited number of available options; however, it should be manageable with minimal delays once ships are rerouted. It will likely require coordination between OEMs, suppliers, shipping companies and port authorities to minimize the disruption at any given alternative location,” GlobalData said.

BMW, Volkswagen Group and Volvo Group maintain the collapse would not have an impact. Toyota said it did not foresee major disruption because Baltimore is not a primary port for its North American operations. However, it will have some impact, primarily on vehicle exports.

*GlobalData

GlobalData says that “4000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.” J.D. Power is also part of GlobalData. Inquiries at: customersuccess.automotive@globaldata.com.