UNITED STATES - Operations at 14 United States ports are expected to cease on October 1, currently under a contract between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) that expires at midnight, September 30. Currently, both sides are signaling the belief that a strike will occur and no new offers will be made prior to October 1.

The 14 ports include Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Hampton Roads, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Savannah, Tampa, and Wilmington. The White House has indicated publicly that they are not considering the use of Taft Hartley provisions to prevent a work stoppage from occurring, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) shared in a release.

IFPA joined a broad business community effort earlier this year, raising concerns about the potential impact of a failure by the two parties to reach a labor agreement.

“Earlier this month, it became evident that negotiations were not proceeding at the pace necessary to avoid a shutdown, and a second letter was sent by IFPA and others to raise awareness and request White House intervention,” the organization stated in the release. “In just the last few days, IFPA has also worked more specifically with the agriculture community to seek intervention by the Administration.”

IFPA staff have been in communication with members in recent days, gathering data and information about the specific challenges our industry faces by this potential shutdown. The organization has already implemented efforts to mitigate the impact, however, concerns remain about the strike lasting for an extended period.

“This will directly impact both imports and exports via these 14 ports. We also believe there will be indirect impacts to ports not listed but that could see increases in cargo movements,” IFPA continued. “IFPA members should expect to see global repercussions for both businesses and consumers, especially if the stoppages linger.”

IFPA is also speaking directly to the Administration, including staff at the White House and USDA to relay its industry-specific concerns. As we move forward, IFPA will continue to seek additional avenues to urge the parties to reach a deal and to urge policy makers to intervene to prevent a strike.

ANUK will continue to report on this, so stay tuned.