A port worker’s strike began at midnight on October 1, 2024, that affected 36 ports in 14 states on the East and Gulf coasts of the United States. Fortunately, it was suspended on October 3 until January 15, 2025.
Sea-Intelligence reported that for each day of the strike, it would take 4 to 6 days to clear the backlog, and the ramifications of a two-week strike could be felt into 2025.
An extended strike would cause shortages and price increases on many common items, including food and raw materials. The shortages wouldn’t be felt immediately but would be 2 to 3 weeks after the beginning of the strike.
Major companies that import goods through the Eastern and Gulf ports include Wal-Mart, IKEA, Home Depot, and Goodyear Tire. Ports that were affected specialize in importing auto parts, fruits and vegetables, coffee, chemicals, and wood products. Seventy-five percent of bananas imported into the United States come through the affected ports. Other items that come through those ports include factory parts, coffee, chocolate, Christmas trees, and toys.
This strike did not affect paper supplies (toilet paper, paper towels, etc.) because most U.S. paper goods are produced in the United States. Most food is also produced in-country. There are the exceptions such as bananas, chocolate, and coffee plus fresh produce grown in foreign countries when it is out-of-season in the U.S.
What most people forget is that a strike not only limits imports but also exports. Limited exports will affect many industries, such as agriculture, and cause economic hardships all over the country. A domino effect will take place as industries have economic problems and financial problems will eventually work their way down to the employee/consumer.
January 15, 2025 may see the strike resume. What can you do physically and mentally to prepare for the possibilities? Here are some ideas:
• Learn to buy fruits and vegetables in season instead of relying on out-of-season imports from foreign countries.
• Buy local produce.
• Buy U.S. made products.
• Learn to adapt to what is available.
• Learn to be more frugal with what is available instead of wasteful.
• Learn to make products last longer.
• Learn to do without.
• Make limited foods special and use them only for special occasions.
• Think about what you purchase from the stores listed above and decide if there are items you need to stock up on when they are available.
