Governor Martin O’Malley announced that some of the key commodities of the Port of Baltimore’s public marine terminals are rebounding from one of the worst economic downturns in U.S. history. Comparing Fiscal Year 2010 (July 2009- June 2010) with Fiscal Year 2009 (July 2008-June 2009), automobiles at the Port were up 26 percent, pulp (produces facial tissues, paper towels, and napkins) was up 13 percent, and containers were up two percent.

“The improved performance of some of our key cargos at the Port of Baltimore’s public terminals is a positive sign as we continue to bounce back from the worst economic period since the Great Depression,” said Governor O’Malley. “2009 was a very tough year for the maritime industry but the Port of Baltimore has been able to maintain a solid position, in part, because of the long term contracts that are in place to help generate and maintain thousands of good, working-class jobs that benefit Maryland families.”

Comparing the first six months of 2010 with the same time period in 2009, general cargo tonnage was up eight percent. General cargo is defined as containers, autos, forest products, roll on/roll off cargo (farm and construction equipment), and steel.


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Despite a decline in tonnage, Baltimore was able to maintain market share for most of its key commodities in 2009. The Port remains number one among U.S. ports for handling imported roll on/roll off, imported forest products, imported sugar, and imported gypsum. The Port is ranked second for exported autos and imported iron ore. Baltimore is ranked third nationally for imported autos, imported aluminum, and exported coal.