West Coast Port Delays Cause Big Issues for U.S. Pork Exports

Tensions continue between employers and unions at ports along the U.S. West Coast. These shipping delays are causing big problems for the U.S. pork industry, explains Maria Zieba, vice president of international affairs for the National Pork Producers Council. 

“Last year, the contract between the ports and longshoremen expired. Since then, negotiations have been ongoing,” Zieba says. “There was some movement in April, but since then, there hasn’t been a lot of progress.”

"Starting June 2, we've seen negotiations hit a new low as disruptive work actions have slowed operations," explains Zieba.

As a result, U.S. importers are now experiencing delays at major Pacific gateways from Seattle to Southern California, with job actions erupting at various ports. 

“These disruptions have significant implications for the American economy,” explains Pro Farmer analyst Jim Wiesemeyer in his daily newsletter. “Though the job actions have been relatively limited, especially compared to the 2014 contract negotiation cycle that cost retailers millions in lost sales, the two parties remain far apart on wage proposals.”