This NASA photo from May 11 shows the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. Grain exporters and farmers have feared the impacts on shipping.
An export-led recovery in U.S. containerized trade volumes appears to be taking root, and though imports still show only uneven progress, the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is so far not impeding port commerce, according to U.S. port officials.
Executives at U.S. ports along the Gulf said the deadly April oil-drilling rig explosion and subsequent spill, unprecedented in potential scope, has not yet affected business at the docks. All ports are on alert for worsening conditions going forward, however, and are working closely with the Coast Guard to keep the docks fully functional.