(BALTIMORE, MD) --- The Port of Baltimore enjoyed another record-breaking year in 2007. General cargo handled through the Maryland Port Administration’s (MPA) public marine terminals reached an all-time high. In recently released foreign trade data compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, the total value of cargo that moved through the Port in 2007 was a record $41.9 billion, a $5 billion hike over 2006’s then-record $36.7 billion. Exports reached 11.3 million tons, which was 35 percent higher than in 2006 and the Port’s highest overall export level since 1996.
“These figures demonstrate that the Port of Baltimore is one of the top-producing ports in the U.S.,” said Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. “They are a tribute to the hard work of the public/private team of professionals at the port including labor, stevedoring firms and management. Our commitment to quality will continue as, together, we work to build on this momentum in the days ahead.”
General cargo through the public marine terminals in 2007 escalated to an all-time high of 8.7 million tons, an increase from 8.6 million tons in 2006. This marked the sixth straight record year for general cargo tonnage -- containers, autos, steel, forest (paper and wood) products, and roll on/roll off (farm and construction) equipment – through the public terminals.
In 2007, total foreign cargo moving through the entire Port – both public and private terminals – was 30.8 million tons, a 200,000 ton increase over the previous year. 2007 was the fourth straight year the Port has exceeded 30 million tons in total foreign cargo handled.
Export cargo sailing from the Port of Baltimore to ports throughout the world also skyrocketed: auto exports from both the public and private terminals increased 80 percent, from 162,784 to 293,559 units; forest product exports were up 33 percent, from 335,454 tons to 446,447 tons; steel saw the largest percentage increase in exports, a 118 percent vault from 53,856 tons to 117,596 tons; roll on/roll off units from the public terminals rose 53 percent, from 306,498 tons to 469,827 tons. The public terminals also registered a 10 percent leap from 191,887 to 211,343 in export containers (20-foot units).
LATEST PORT RANKINGS:
Baltimore’s success in auto exports catapulted it from second in the nation to first among 361 U.S. ports. It also soared from second to first for imported sugar. Baltimore’s strong overall 2007 performance also helped it retain its number one national ranking in several categories: roll on/roll off, trucks, imported forest products, imported gypsum, and imported iron ore.
Overall, the Port of Baltimore is ranked 12th nationally for total dollar value of cargo and 13th nationally (up from 14th) for total foreign cargo handled.
CONTACT:
Richard Scher
JB Hanson
MPA Communications
(410) 385-4480 |
