East and Gulf Coast Ports Reopen, Bringing Relief to U.S. Red Meat Exporters
On October 3, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) temporarily resolved the work stoppage that had closed the East and Gulf Coast ports, reopening them to continue negotiations.
This resolution is a significant relief for U.S. meat exporters, especially those shipping over $100 million worth of pork and beef through these ports weekly.
Dan Halstrom, President and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), expressed gratitude for the swift action taken to end the strike.
“The end of the strike is terrific news for U.S. livestock producers and exporters,” said Halstrom. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of longshore unions, terminal operators, and government officials in reaching a temporary agreement.
The current Master Contract between the ILA and USMX has been extended until January 15, 2025, allowing ports to resume operations while negotiations continue.
This development is crucial as East and Gulf Coast ports handle a substantial portion of U.S. red meat exports. Through July 2024, 45% of U.S. pork exports and 30% of beef exports shipped via water were processed through these ports, according to USMEF data.
However, ongoing disruptions had already prompted some traffic rerouting to the West Coast, but capacity constraints remain a challenge.
As negotiations continue, USMEF and other organizations have called on the White House and Congress to ensure that both sides return to the bargaining table to avoid further disruptions to the meat export industry.
This temporary resolution provides a reprieve to the industry, but the future remains uncertain as contract negotiations persist.
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