Essential Bridge for U.S.–Canada Trade Reopens
The Ambassador Bridge reopened Sunday night after police arrested protesters and towed vehicles. The bridge is one of the most important for U.S.–Canada trade and American auto production, according to The Wall Street Journal (subscription).
A busy bridge: The Ambassador Bridge, which had been shut down by protesters for about a week, accommodates about 30% of annual two-way trade between the U.S. and Canada. U.S. data estimates the value of the annual trade across the bridge at $600 billion, $28 billion of which is in motor vehicle and auto parts.
Economic repercussions: The closure of the Ambassador Bridge, between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, limited vehicle production for auto makers, including General Motors, Ford and Stellantis NV, and had the potential to impact manufacturers in many other sectors as well, including but not limited to automotive suppliers, agriculture, aluminum, appliances, building products, chemicals, consumer products, forest products, health care and steel.
Other blockades: A blockade in Alberta has halted traffic between the province and northern Montana since Feb. 8, and another blockade in Manitoba is blocking traffic with North Dakota.
Emergency powers: To clear the blockade and unblock traffic, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act—legislation that provides the government with temporary powers designed to ensure safety and security during a national emergency.
Learn more: NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons provided more information on the blockade’s impact on the supply chain and manufacturers during an interview on CNBC.