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East Coast Ports Officially Under Strike, Supply Chain Under Risk.

As of October 1, a nationwide strike has officially stopped operations at various major U.S. ports, affecting critical supply chains for our industry. What You Need To Know:  The failure to reach a new labor agreement between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has led to this significant disruption, which could severely impact imports and exports of perishable goods.   8 Major U.S East Coast Ports     The current labor contract between USMX and ILA expired on September 30, and despite months of negotiations, both parties failed to come to an agreement. The dispute centers on key issues such as wages, working conditions, and job security for dockworkers. With no new proposals on the table, and the White House choosing not to intervene by invoking Taft-Hartley provisions, the strike is now in effect. The strike is projected to have a $4.5 to $7.5 billion weekly impact on the U.S. economy, according to Oxford Economics. Even a short-term disruption could leave retailers, manufacturers, and importers scrambling to maintain inventory levels during this critical fourth quarter. Oxford Economics also notes that every week of stalled cargo will take a month to clear, adding further strain on supply chains already under pressure. This work stoppage comes at a critical time for the fresh produce industry, with both imports and exports facing severe delays. The perishable nature of our cargo adds to the urgency, as prolonged disruptions could lead to significant financial losses and product spoilage. Even ports not directly involved in the strike may face congestion as cargo is redirected, creating ripple effects throughout the entire supply chain.