摘要: |
With the country's economic recovery from Covid-19 well underway, spurred by rising vaccination rates, massive federal aid and renewed consumer confidence, the inland barge industry is seeing a welcome uptick in business. After a gloomy year that forced a redirection of business plans, imposition of across-the-board safety and health protocols and for many sectors of barging a steep decline in demand for their services, the industry appears to be turning the corner. As the U.S. economy gains steam, demand for export grains like corn and soybeans, which have remained relatively steady throughout the pandemic, continues to be strong, keeping dry cargo barges busy. In early May, the Department of Agriculture reported that total barged grain movements reached a record high of 14.5 million tons, 47% higher than last year and 33% above the five-year average. |