North America’s busiest border crossing has reopened after a week-long blockade by trucker protests.
The standoff at the Ambassador Bridge paralyzed traffic between Detroit and Windsor, Canada. It forced automakers like Ford and GM to cut production.
The bridge carries about $360 million dollars a day in two-way cargoes, which is about a quarter of the value of all trade between the two countries.
Despite that clearance, the demonstrations are still happening in Ottawa.
The protest, across the country, could have a significant impact on ag. Farm Bureau Senior Economist Veronica Nigh explains how the Ambassador Bridge closure alone jeopardized a multi-million dollar trade relationship.
“We average almost $24 million dollars in U.S. ag exports to Canada through that Detroit port every day...” Nigh states. “Live pigs coming into the U.S. for slaughter; U.S. grain going to Canada to feed those pigs.”
Nigh says that another potential impact on U.S. ag is a Russian invasion of Ukraine. That could shift wheat and corn purchases to the U.S. Nigh adds that she hopes an invasion is not where this ends up.
Related:
Protesters block major Canada/U.S. border crossing in Manitoba
Canadian trucker protests continue; how it is impacting the capital
Truckers are beginning to pass through Canadian/U.S. border
Alberta Cattle Feeders Association on the ripple effect caused by Canadian trucker protest