What products would be disrupted by a port strike?

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National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors CEO Eric Hoplin discusses potential port strikes on Mornings with Maria.

A looming strike by roughly 45,000 unionized dockworkers at seaports on the East and Gulf coasts could begin next week and disrupt shipments of a variety of products as the presidential election approaches.

One-half of the seaborne imports to the U.S. are shipped through the 36 ports that would be impacted by a strike that may begin on Oct. 1. It would be the first strike by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which represents the port workers, since 1977. 

The union and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents port employers, are at an impasse over wages in a new contract. As of Sunday, talks between the ILA and USMX appeared to be at a standstill, with each issuing statements about the impasse.

The Port of Charleston is among the five busiest ports in the negotiating group. (Photographer: Sam Wolfe/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

If the strike occurs next week, it would disrupt billions of dollars in imports ranging from cars and auto parts to agricultural commodities and consumer goods. The potential work stoppage comes as the U.S. election season heats up and Americans begin planning purchases for the upcoming holiday season.

US GROCERY STORES COULD BE WITHOUT POPULAR FRUIT WITHIN WEEKS AS 45,000 DOCKWORKERS THREATEN TO STRIKE

The ports that would be affected by the strike handled $37.8 billion in vehicle imports in the 12-month period through the end of June 2024, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. 

The Port of Baltimore leads the nation in car shipments, while auto parts are also a major import on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. Those ports