To what extent the volcano is impacting ocean freight is unclear. Many ocean liners use GPS and I have not seen any news articles stating that satellite communications have been impacted by the volcano.
Initially, I would not think that the US would have too much of a problem because of Europe's "hiccup". Many things I mentioned are capital investment items, and quite frankly, American corporations are only judiciously investing in capital upgrades at this point in time. There will be some impact, but it will be minor, and will quickly rebound back to what the trade level would have been. This is not "chronic", but rather is a blip on the radar screen.
Not if this eruption goes on for two years, like the last one did.
“There will be some impact, but it will be minor”
You better see my post #23. I really wish you were right, but there are so many U.S. companies big and small that would be devastated by a long term interuption of the supply stream between the U.S. and Europe. For instance, Alenia Aeronautic in Naples, the builder of body sections for the 787 Dreamliner. Those body sections are flown here inside of a modified Boing 747.