The fallout from a potential strike on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts will be considerable, and the consequences of the disruption will be felt into 2025.

Peter Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, warned ships en route to the ports could be stuck at U.S. East and Gulf Coast anchorages. He pointed out that many of the vessels would be unable to reroute. While some may head to ports in Canada or Mexico, most will have to wait.

This will delay the return of vessels to the Far East, potentially affecting shipping schedules through January 2025. “A strike lasting just one week will impact schedules for ships leaving the Far East on voyages to the U.S. in late December and throughout January,” Sand noted.

In August alone, $194 billion worth of goods passed through U.S. ports, with over 50.6% handled by East and Gulf Coast ports. Maritime analyst John McCown pointed out that 16% of the global container fleet serves ports on these coasts.

Source: The Loadstar