The port strike could leave America's bananas in short supply
Published On Oct 3, 2024, 1:15 PM
The recent East Coast port strike in the U.S. is causing potential shortages of bananas, America's most popular fruit, as approximately 75% of imported bananas come through these ports. If the strike continues for more than two weeks, supply chain experts predict significant shortages could occur. Dole and Fresh Del Monte, major companies in the banana supply chain, are expected to manage the crisis relatively well, but they have already seen minor drops in stock prices. Additionally, grocery prices could rise due to supply chain disruptions, though the impact on consumer wallets might be less substantial for bananas specifically. The strike could negatively affect the GDP if prolonged, impacting other perishable goods as well, like rice and fresh coffee, to a lesser extent.