U.S. agriculture is bracing for a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf Coast ports that could greatly disrupt U.S. exports. Contract negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance broke down in mid-November over issues related to automation and have shown little progress over the past month. The two sides reached a tentative agreement on wages in early October and temporarily extended the existing labor agreement, bringing an end to a three-day strike work stoppage. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom said that contract extension is set to expire Jan. 15.
Halstrom said the uncertainty is already impacting U.S. red meat exports, as ocean carriers have begun announcing surcharges related to a potential strike and exporters are forced to look to divert shipments to other ports.
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