US port strike ends leaving huge cargo backlog to be cleared

Published On Oct 4, 2024, 2:02 AM

The recent strike involving US East Coast and Gulf Coast port workers has ended after a wage deal was reached, resulting in a backlog of cargo that will take time to clear. Shipping stocks in Asia fell due to expectations that freight rates would stabilize now that the strike has concluded. Major retailers like Walmart and IKEA, who heavily rely on these ports, are expected to face delays but the overall economy may benefit from the end of the strike as operations resume. The wage agreement reached included a substantial increase of around 62% over six years.

Stock Forecasts

Despite the negative short-term impacts on shipping stocks, companies with logistics and supply chain management strengths may see long-term benefits once their operations normalize. Investors might look at related companies that could benefit from an increase in shipping volumes once the backlog decreases.

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(Reuters) -U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports began reopening on Thursday night after dockworkers and port operators reached a wage deal to settle the industry's biggest work stoppage in nearly half a century, but clearing the cargo backlog will take time. The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) workers union and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) port operators announced the deal and an immediate end to the strike late on Thursday. Shares in shipping companies in Asia fell heavily across Asia.

Dockworkers are returning to work on Friday after reaching a tentative agreement and Vice President Harris says, "this indicates progress towards a strong contract."

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What to know about International Longshorman's Association President Harold Daggert, the union's chief negotiator as dockworkers strike at ports across the U.S.

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