Exports Through the Gulf Delayed by Hurricane Ida

The damage from Hurricane Ida will likely have lingering effects on the country’s busiest agricultural port. The Mississippi River remains closed from Baton Rouge to the Gulf. Barges are moving on other parts of the Lower Mississippi River, but restricted to daylight hours. Grain terminals are still assessing damage, but work has been influenced by power outages and limited labor availability. The export terminals in the New Orleans area are responsible for two-thirds of U.S. grain and soybean exports, resulting in concerns about export delays.