Lack of West Coast Port Labor Contract Creates Uncertainty for U.S. Ag Exports
Hear/Download the Audio Report Here
West Coast Longshoremen and terminal operators started negotiations on a new labor contract on May 10, 2022. The talks have continued for more than a year without resolution, and port workers have been without a contract for 10 months.
U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) President and CEO Dan Halstrom says this situation is definitely impacting U.S. red meat exports. West Coast ports have seen periodic work stoppages, and the uncertain labor environment is causing some import cargo to be diverted to ports on the East and Gulf Coasts. Over the long term, this will reduce the number of ships available for exports from the West Coast, a key gateway for all of U.S. agriculture.
In this USMEF Audio Report, Halstrom discusses the importance of West Coast ports to red meat exports and the urgent need for a resolution to the labor talks.