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As a potential ILA protest approaches on October 1st, a recent impact is the strike lowering spot rates. The International Longshore Association (ILA) Is planning to halt operations next month when their six-year contract terminates on September 30th. Along with higher wages and pensions, the ILA is protesting for better labor conditions and opposing port automation. Ongoing talks between the ILA and the United States Maritime Association (USMX) stopped weeks ago without a contract resolution. A strike could affect international and domestic shipping in various ways, including pausing cargo movement and causing congestion. A potential port stoppage has already impacted shipping with a significant decline in East Coast spot rates.
Spot rates for containers going towards East Coast ports have declined due to the potential ILA strike. The Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) noted a 21% decrease in rates from Shanghai to New York. During the week of September 9-13, the WCI decreased 13% to $4168 per 40ft container. The recent decline is resulting in shippers rerouting to West Coast ports to avoid the strike. As a result, demand for shipping to East Coast ports is decreasing, resulting in lower rates. While this has been the third consecutive week of decline, it is 282% higher than the pre-covid average. The Drewry index expects rates to fall faller in the next few weeks.
Containers going to West Coast ports had the opposite effect, with a one percent increase for 40ft containers. Along with increasing and decreasing rates, rerouting can have other effects, such as congestion due to higher volumes. The Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports are already the busiest in the U.S. regarding volume. An increase in traffic could lead to delays in supply chains for importers and exporters to the U.S. Another way shippers mitigate the impact of a potential strike is by shipping earlier than usual. Some even look for other conveyance methods like air and land to avoid delays.
On September 17th, the National Retailers Federation (NRF) sent a letter to the Biden administration regarding stopping the potential strike. The message says, “A strike at this point in time would have a devastating impact on the economy, especially as inflation is on the downward trend.” NRF is a group of 177 trade associates that rely on East and Gulf Coast ports for importing and exporting. Despite the letter from the NRF, the White House replied that it was not intervening in the protest. U.S. presidents may invoke the Taft-Hartley If necessary. This act forces dockworkers back to work for an 80-day cooling-off period if the disputes potentially threaten national security.
Despite not being involved, a White House representative said, “We encourage all parties to remain at the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith.” While lower rates may be attractive to shippers, it is due to a potential protest that can affect international shipping. A way to protect your goods is by using the help of a freight forwarder. A forwarder is the middleman who coordinates cargo movement on behalf of the shipper. They find solutions for navigating situations like port closures. Contact A1 Worldwide Logistics at info@a1wwl.com to speak to a forwarding regarding transporting your shipment internationally.
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