“The Port of Baltimore typically handles more cars and light trucks than any other port in the country”
Donald Trump’s 25% tariff on cars will hit Maryland particularly hard, WYPR reports. The Port of Baltimore is typically the largest importer of cars and light trucks in the country, with $20 billion worth of vehicles coming through the Port each year.
From Maryland Democratic Party Spokesperson Lindsay Reilly: “Thousands of businesses depend on the Port of Baltimore. Trump’s reckless trade wars with our allies will hurt Maryland’s economy.”
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT.
WYPR: Maryland Governor Braces for Impact of Car Tariffs on Port of Baltimore
By Rachel Baye
March 28, 2025
- The Port of Baltimore typically handles more cars and light trucks than any other port in the country. Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the port dropped to second-ranked last year but still handled roughly 750,000 vehicles, about 85% of which were imports.
- About $20 billion worth of vehicles are imported through Baltimore’s port.
- “You’re talking about tens of thousands of people. You’re talking about hundreds of millions of dollars of tax revenue,” Dai said. “The damage will be devastating.”
- The countries whose vehicles are being taxed are also likely to retaliate with their own tariffs, he said. For example, Germany may decide to levy a 25% tariff on Baltimore’s largest export, coal.
- Fewer cars will be imported and sold, which drives down commerce and sales tax revenue, he said. It’s also unclear whether the tariffs will apply to farm equipment, but if they do, they will increase food prices.