West Coast ports of entry from Los Angeles to Seattle are experiencing slowdowns due to some terminal workers refusing to report for work assignments. It is causing delays and congestion and port productivity has slowed down considerably. Some truck drivers picking up containers at the Port of Los Angeles were turned away because the containers needed to be processed. The Port of Los Angeles is the nation’s busiest port, processing $440 billion in cargo value per year, and is a significant shipping point for the U.S. agriculture industry.
According to Adil Ashiq, head of North America for Marine Traffic said, “Reduced labor means reduced capacity to work vessels and send them back to sea. With the current situation unfolding, the Port of Los Angeles will experience a pandemic-like crisis where vessels will fill up anchorage, waiting to head to the terminal to load/offload cargo, causing once again the much-hated congestion at one of the largest ports in the United States.” The ongoing labor issues will undoubtedly affect the supply chain that will impact both consumers and businesses alike.
Movement of asparagus from Peru imports through South Florida ports of entry is expected to remain about the same. Trading moderate. Prices lower. Overall supplies are moderate. Quality and condition are reported as variable but generally good. Movement of asparagus out of Walla Walla District and Lower Yakima Valley Washington are expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. Supplies are insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Lighter shipments are expected through the week of June 17th.
Click here to read the full report.
Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov