The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) plans to strike on October 1 if a new contract is not reached with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). Wages, the use of automation, health care and container royalties are all under dispute. ILA represents 85,000 longshoremen who work on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes and major U.S. rivers.

The strike would impact containerized exports of soybeans and other agricultural products. The timing coincides with the critical U.S. harvest season. The Mississippi Gulf Region is the number one export region for soybeans, exporting 27 million metric tons in 2023.

In addition to crops, the strike would impact chilled or frozen meat and eggs shipped from the U.S. Some exporters are exploring routes to the West Coast, but that will come with higher supply chain costs.

Read more on the potential East Coast port workers’ strike here.