Global trade

The annual expansion was revised down to 1.3%. That could indicate softening elsewhere, including trade partners like Canada and China.

Cargo ships have grown since the Francis Scott Key Bridge was built. Collisions have greater impact, physically and economically.

"If we have a China that's growing more slowly, there's less opportunity" globally, says economist Adam Posen.

Demand for electric vehicles is a big driver of the revival.

The World Trade Organization predicted trade would grow by 1.7% in 2023. It's been revised to 0.8% due in part to stubborn inflation.

In August, agricultural exports were about 20% lower than the same time a year ago, according to the Commerce Department. That's because export volumes have fallen, and ag prices are coming off of recent highs.

Remember those steel and aluminum tariffs that were supposed to target China but also pulled in Europe and Canada? Most of them still exist.

Six percent of all global trade passes through the canal’s 50-mile stretch of water. New passage restrictions could particularly harm the U.S. economy — since it's the nation that uses the trade route most.

“Your purchasing power is really a force for positive change," says Julio Zegarra-Ballon, owner of Zee Bee Market in St. Louis.

Officials are searching for a way to increase the flow of water without disrupting the environment and Panamanian society.