FIDI has written to Affiliates warning them about the effects of industrial action at major ports along the US East and Gulf coasts.
The strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) – involving major hubs including Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and others; which together handle approximately half of all imports into the US – began on October 1, 2024. It follows a breakdown in negotiations with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).
The open letter, by FIDI’s Secretary General Jesse van Sas, says ‘additional costs and operational challenges’ are likely as the result of supply chain delays, adding that businesses should communicate proactively with their customers about the developments.
‘While this situation is beyond your control, providing transparent updates will help to maintain client confidence during this period of uncertainty,’ the letter says.
A copy of the letter can be downloaded here.
