Pending U.S. port strike is a threat to southern hemisphere produce
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, representing many ports on the U.S. East Coast, are currently stalled in contract negotiations. ILA’s current contract expires September 30th and if a new agreement is not met, 45,000 members of the ILA may go on strike this coming Monday at noon.
“It is a very real situation and although we are trying to predict the future, it is just very uncertain right now,” says Maria Bermudez of Advance Customs Brokers in Miami. Without an agreement on a new labor contract, operations at more than 30 ports will cease, including key produce ports such as Miami, Philadelphia, Houston, and Baltimore.
Peru/Ecuador
Shipping lines arriving in the big terminals, like Maersk and MSC, will be affected heavily. On a positive note, some terminals are not managed by ILA, and they will continue to receive shipments. In addition, Seaboard Marine may not be as impacted. “That would be a savior to Peru’s exports as the country predominantly ships by reefer cargo,” said Advance Customs Brokers’ Pat Compres. Some of the main produce items the country is currently shipping include berries and asparagus. “In addition to Peru, Ecuador may also get some relief.”
To read the full article, please visit Pending U.S. port strike is a threat to southern hemisphere produce (freshplaza.com). Published on September 27, 2024.