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.
You persist in mis-stating what I said. I said that the South consumed $331 million in imports. You are assuming that $331 came from overseas. All of it did not. So get your facts right.