[Gianni]

Oh really? Then please present your statistics showing the level of imports destined for southern consumers landing in Northern ports during 1862 and 1863. Pea claims it was $331 million for 1860. How much was it 2 or 3 years later?

Per your original statement:

Since we can safely say that the imports destined for southern consumers dropped to zero,

It is sufficient to demonstrate that they were non-zero.

Some time ago, GOPCapitalist posted a record of interstate smuggling activity during the ACW. I remember it well, as it led to a discussion about what scumbags brokers & bankers were, and how they'd betray any loyalties for a buck. The numbers were actually quite surprising.

[Non-Sequitur]

Some time ago, GOPCapitalist posted a record of interstate smuggling activity during the ACW. I remember it well, as it led to a discussion about what scumbags brokers & bankers were, and how they'd betray any loyalties for a buck. The numbers were actually quite surprising.

What you're overlooking is that those imports were destined for a Northern consumer and that the Northern party paid the tariff. What little was later smuggled south doesn't affect that.