Starting at midnight, almost 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) went on strike Tuesday against the country's East and Gulf Coast ports. The strike will affect imports and exports, with the ultimate effects depending on the length of the strike. There has not been a strike of this magnitude at East Coast ports since 1977.
The ILA is seeking a fair contract from the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which includes a ban on automation and a 77% pay raise over a six-year contract.
Although some businesses began stocking up on goods when the strike became a possibility, that preparation isn't possible with perishable goods imported into the country like fresh fruit and vegetables.
Here are some food and beverage products that may be affected by the strike. Keep these in mind when planning menus and dishes in the immediate future.
Bananas: According to the American Farm Bureau, about one quarter of the nation’s bananas come through East Coast ports, so the fruit is expected to be in shorter supply with higher prices in about a week or so.
European beer, wine and liquor: A large percentage of imported wine, beer and hard liquor come through East Coast ports, so availability of products is expected to be impacted the longer the strike stretches on. Imported wine is expected to be especially affected, as nearly 75% of wine imports arrive via East Coast ports, according to analysis by Jason Miller, professor of supply-chain management at Michigan State University.
Meat: Inc. reported that according to U.S. Meat Export Federation spokesperson Joe Schuele, about 45 percent of all waterborne U.S. pork exports and 30% of beef exports were shipped via East Coast and Gulf Coast ports in the first seven months of this year.
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