Expert: Inland Waterway Navigation Remains Viable Despite Declining Mississippi River Levels
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – Despite recent declines in Mississippi River levels, an expert asserts that the fundamental trends supporting inland waterway navigation remain positive, offering reassurance to shippers and supply chain managers. Kaitlin Butts, a transportation analyst, stated on November 14, 2025, that while current conditions present challenges, long-term indicators suggest continued viability for commercial traffic on the river.
The Mississippi River is a critical artery for the nation’s economy,moving approximately 60% of U.S. grain exports, 20% of the nation’s oil and gas, and a meaningful volume of other commodities.prolonged low water levels disrupt this flow,increasing shipping costs and perhaps impacting agricultural producers and consumers. Butts’ assessment comes as the Army Corps of engineers continues efforts to maintain a navigable channel through dredging and other mitigation strategies. The situation is closely monitored by the agricultural sector, especially soybean and corn farmers reliant on barge transport to global markets.
“Even with the river trending lower, the underlying basis trends are still upward,” Butts explained. “We’re seeing continued investment in infrastructure and a growing recognition of the importance of these waterways for efficient and cost-effective transportation.”
Butts’ comments were made during a transportation industry briefing held in Baton Rouge. She noted that while short-term fluctuations in river levels are expected, the overall outlook for inland waterway navigation remains cautiously optimistic.
