US Port strike could deliver serious impact for Australian red meat exports

Published 2024년 9월 27일

Tridge summary

Australian red meat exporters are on high alert due to a potential strike by US East Coast and Pacific port waterside workers, which could disrupt exports to the US, their largest beef and lamb market. The strike, set to begin on October 1 if wage negotiations fail, could paralyze major ports and increase shipping and logistics costs. Contingency plans, including using alternate ports and airfreight, are being considered, though these would significantly raise costs. The US Meat Export Federation has urged intervention from the White House and Congress, warning of severe supply chain disruptions, especially with the contract expiration looming on September 30.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

AUSTRALIAN red meat exporters are looking on intently this week as a major waterside stoppage threatens to disrupt export trade into the United States – out biggest export market. Waterside workers are threatening to strike as early as Tuesday next week in US East Coast and Pacific Ports as wages negotiations deteriorate after months of dialogue. The United States is easily Australia’s largest beef and lamb export market this year, accounting for 235,000t of chilled and frozen beef by the end of August, plus 57,000t of lamb and mutton. The US Maritime Alliance – the company representing container shipping line operators – has this week filed an Unfair Labour Practice charge with the US National Labor Relations Board due to the International Longshoreman’s Union’s (waterside workers) refusal to negotiate. They are looking for an injunction that would force the union back to the table to resume negotiations. If the two fail to reach an agreement by Monday, the ILU is threatening to ...

Source: Sheepcentral