There had been building fears of a strike at several major US ports starting mid-January when talks collapsed in December.
A potential strike at US East and Gulf Coast ports, which threatened delays and cost increases for the international seafood industry, has been averted. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative six-year master contract agreement. Both sides agreed to operate under the current contract until the deal is finalized, ensuring continuity in port operations.
The agreement protects existing jobs, introduces modern technologies to create new roles, and improves port efficiency to maintain strong supply chains. This resolution follows earlier disruptions, including a three-day strike in October and a rise in shipping container rates in December due to fears of industrial action.
The US imports the majority of its seafood, with 3.1 million metric tons valued at $25.8 billion imported last year, underscoring the importance of maintaining smooth port operations.
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