Md. Businesses, Port, Monitor Egypt Unrest
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Maryland businesses are keeping a close eye on the unrest in Egypt.
The state has been a prominent trade partner with Egypt over the last decade, exporting about $400 million in goods to the country just last year.
Baltimore's port is a key trading hub with Egypt, shipping out vehicles and machinery and receiving liquefied natural gas and minerals. Its smooth operation is partly dependent on the Suez Canal, which is controlled by Egypt.
Many companies, including Annapolis-based ARINC, have pulled their employees from the country in recent days. ARINC says workers may return when the State Department allows its nonessential employees to go back, but it is too early to know whether long-term operations will be affected.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
