Today, the National Economic Council (NEC) re-convened the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force to continue coordination of the Biden-Harris Administration's response to supply chain impacts stemming from the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and partial closure of the Port of Baltimore. This is the second convening of the Task Force since the collapse of the Bridge.
During the meeting, agencies shared insights from engagement with impacted stakeholders and communities. The Department of Transportation provided a readout of yesterday's stakeholder listening session led by Secretary Buttigieg, where ports, labor groups, and industry partners offered strategies for navigating shipping and transportation diversions on a temporary basis. The Department of Agriculture discussed today's convening of federal, state, agricultural, and food industry stakeholders to assess potential short-term impacts to the agriculture and food sectors.
Agency participants discussed progress made by shippers, businesses, and ocean carriers to successfully divert cargo to alternative ports with excess capacity and mitigate impacts on consumers.
Finally, the Federal Maritime Commission discussed active efforts to ensure that carriers and marine terminal operators follow just and reasonable practices relating to demurrage and detention fees, in line with recent rulemaking to codify provisions included in the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022.
The NEC reaffirmed the President's commitment to "move heaven and earth" to fully reopen the Port as soon as possible and to support the people of Baltimore. The NEC will continue to convene the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force over the coming weeks to coordinate Federal support for impacted industries, workers, and communities.
