Port strikes could be worse than the pandemic for the U.S. feed sector

US feed manufacturers may suffer severe financial impacts due to the ongoing port strikes along the East and Gulf Coasts, which began on Tuesday. The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) warns that if the labor dispute continues, the sector risks losing foreign customers and may be forced to cut jobs. The AFIA also cautioned that delays in receiving critical inputs—such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and micronutrients—could jeopardize animal health and increase costs for farmers and pet owners. The port strikes follow the breakdown of negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). “US animal food manufacturers face a dire trading situation that mirrors – or could be worse than – the days of the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented AFIA CEO, Constance Cullman. With reduced access to imports of essential ingredients, packaging materials, equipment or other goods, production of animal food may be limited at ...