NEW YORK - As promised, AndNowUKnow is continuing to monitor the status and impact of the strike initiated along the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports on October 1. As the strike reaches its third day, container ships have been blocked from Maine to Texas, provoking shortages in a variety of goods, including fresh bananas.

A report from Reuters cited Everstream Analytics stating that at least 45 container vessels that had been unable to unload had anchored outside the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports by Wednesday. This number is up from the three container vessels unable to unload before the strike began on Sunday.

As the report noted, the strike is the biggest of its kind in nearly five decades.

Reuters also reported that the port closures will not initially raise consumer prices since many companies accelerated shipments in recent months for key goods, but a prolonged stoppage will eventually filter through, with food prices likely to react first. Experts have also noted that the vessel backlog could double by the end of the week if the stoppage continues; depending on the duration of the strike, the resulting congestion could take weeks to months to clear.

While no negotiations were scheduled between the International Longshoremen's Association and employers, port owners have signaled they are open to new talks regarding the deal.

ANUK will continue to report on this ongoing strike and the progress of negotiations, so be on the lookout for our next update.