Negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance face uncertainty as their contract nears expiration on January 15, 2025. Shippers are preparing for disruptions, and experts predict a strike will likely occur.

Shipping companies, including AP Moller-Maersk, are urging customers to expedite container pickups to mitigate potential delays. The looming stoppage is already affecting markets, with ports preparing to halt refrigerated cargo acceptance days before the deadline. Exporters are exploring contingency plans, such as rerouting frozen products to the West Coast.

The agricultural sector faces significant risks. Bulk grain exports may remain unaffected. However, containerized cold meat, eggs and soy products could face severe disruptions. This would indirectly impact soybean and grain producers due to interdependencies with the livestock industry. Joe Schuele with the U.S. Meat Export Federation says a strike could jeopardize over $100 million in weekly beef and pork sales.

Read more about the potential International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) port strike here.