Shortages not expected for “most items” in the US despite the shutdown of East Coast and Gulf Coast import-export hubs
With the strike at ports across the entire US East Coast beginning today, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has moved to reassure those concerned about the immediate impact on food prices and availability in the country.
In a statement, the USDA said it was monitoring any potential impact the strike would have on consumers.
”Our analysis shows we should not expect significant changes to food prices or availability in the near term,” the USDA outlined.
”Thanks to the typically smooth movement through the ports of goods, and our strong domestic agricultural production, we do not expect shortages anytime in the near future for most items.”
The USDA confirmed that it was ”keeping an eye” on downstream impacts in the west, and would continue to monitor and work with industry to respond to potential impacts.
”Our administration supports collective bargaining as the best way for workers and employers to come to a fair agreement, and we encourage all parties to come to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith – fairly and quickly,” it added.
The strike, which affects a total of 14 ports including those on the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to cause widespread disruption to fresh produce imports and exports.
At the centre of the impasse are ILA concerns around apparent automation plans at a number of ports, which It says are a breach of its existing labour agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).
