Two Major California Shipping Ports Reopen After Labor Negotiations

Two major shipping ports on the U.S. West Coast have resumed exports of ag commodities. The port of Los Angeles and Long Beach, California were previously shut down temporarily due to failed labor contract negotiations. While bulk products weren’t as affected, shipping containers filled with various ag goods had to stall movement.

Mike Steenhoek, director of the Soy Transportation Coalition says although the closure was temporary, it creates more uncertainty for the U.S. food supply chain amidst the dwindling of container movement. Steenhoek says companies can move their goods for export out of other ports. But with exacerbated costs and perishable goods, alternative ports aren’t always an option.

Read more on port closure and ag export shipping here.