Landmark commodity analysis to optimize Lower Mississippi River trade released

Today, the World Trade Center New Orleans (WTCNO) unveiled the “Lower Mississippi River Commodity Analysis,” a comprehensive report designed to optimize global commodity flows and maximize the economic benefits of the Lower Mississippi River region. This landmark study represents a collaborative effort between Louisiana’s five-deep draft ports along the Lower Mississippi River, including the Port of Greater Baton Rouge, the Port of South Louisiana, the Port of New Orleans, St. Bernard Port, Harbor and Terminal District, and Plaquemines Port Harbor & Terminal District.

“This collaborative effort underscores the vital role that the Lower Mississippi River plays in driving both regional and national economic growth. By working together, our five Louisiana ports are committed to enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of America’s most critical trade corridor, which connects 31 states and two Canadian provinces to the world,” said the five ports involved in the study through a joint statement. “The insights from the ‘Lower Mississippi River Commodity Analysis’ will guide strategic investments, improve cargo movement, and unlock new opportunities across a wide range of industries. This partnership strengthens our ability to ensure efficient and resilient global supply chains while supporting the Louisiana businesses and communities that rely on the Mississippi River for their livelihood.”

The “Lower Mississippi River Commodity Analysis” provides in-depth insights into the current state of commodity flows along the Lower Mississippi River, identifying key opportunities for growth and efficiency improvements. The report analyzes a wide range of commodities, including agricultural products, energy resources, and manufactured goods, and offers strategic insights for enhancing trade along the Lower Mississippi River.

“This report is a testament to the power of collaboration," said Harrison Crabtree, Director of the World Trade Center New Orleans. "The findings in this report are more than just data—they serve as a strategic tool to unlock the full economic potential of the Lower Mississippi River, fueling unprecedented growth across our entire state."

Key findings from the report include:

• Access to Mississippi River system is an unparalleled advantage – energy efficient, low-cost transportation system connecting the region to the central and midwestern U.S. is an advantage for the Lower Mississippi River ports
• Connectivity to all six national (Class 1) railroads ensures goods get to and from markets across the United States
• Crescent City Bridge limits size of container vessel – need for downriver container terminal to accommodate growing size of container vessel fleet
• Strong bulk market growth in biofuels, LNG, grain, wood pellets, cement, and fertilizers present growth options for Louisiana
• Opportunities to increase break bulk market exist in forest products, precious metals, aluminum rubber
• The project cargo market is likely to grow to support major projects including LNG and carbon capture
• A statewide focus on future energy projects and renewed business attraction efforts from Louisiana Economic Development have and will provide significant opportunities for growth in cargo activity at LMR ports

The foundation for this comprehensive report was laid by discussions among the five port directors, who identified mutual challenges and areas of collaboration. These initial conversations paved the way for months of collaboration, an effort driven by the shared goal of regional advancement brought to fruition under the guidance of former Port of New Orleans Chairman, Joe Toomy.

“It’s exciting that our initial meetings to bring the five Ports of the Lower Mississippi River together resulted in them undertaking this in-depth commodity analysis. It was always my hope that this would set the stage for further collaborative efforts by our Ports to expand international trade in our region in concert with the State’s economic development plan,” said Joe Toomy, former Port of New Orleans Chairman.

The analysis was conducted by Martin and Associates, an internationally recognized leading economic and transportation consulting firm who has published studies for major U.S. ports including Port of Houston, Port of Mobile, Port of Miami and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The findings of this report will help inform economic development initiatives along the Lower Mississippi River, promote investments in port activities, and market services to logistics providers.