The International Trade Council (ITC) is deeply concerned over the ongoing labor dispute at the Port of Seattle that has led to its closure. The disruption is the result of an unresolved labor conflict involving the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU).
The Port of Seattle, a crucial hub for U.S. agricultural exports, forms part of the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) alongside the Port of Tacoma. It plays a critical role in the North American maritime industry, facilitating trade for major economies, including China, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, and India.
This closure compounds the already strained conditions at West Coast ports, with trade estimated at $5.2 billion left in limbo off the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland. It's important to stress that approximately 40% of jobs in the State of Washington rely on trade, demonstrating the far-reaching implications of this conflict on the local and national economy.
The ITC echoes concerns raised by the Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC), representing agricultural shippers, that ongoing port disruptions may negatively impact the reputation of U.S. agricultural exporters as dependable trading partners.
The top six U.S. exports via the Port of Seattle include apples, milk, cattle, wheat, potatoes, and hay, with a combined value of $5.66 billion in 2022. The NWSA is also the country's second-largest gateway for refrigerated containers, transporting frozen products like french fries, meat, dairy, apples, and fish.
The continued disruption risks permanent loss of international customers to competitors in Argentina, Brazil, Australia, and New Zealand. The closure of the port also affects auto imports, which increased by 6.5% in 2022, with 172,979 units delivered.
The ITC urges all parties involved to expedite the resolution process, ensuring the swift resumption of operations at the Port of Seattle, and prevent further damage to the U.S. economy and global trade relations.
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About the International Trade Council The International Trade Council is a non-partisan, peak-body organization promoting trade growth, ethical business practices, and intellectual property rights protection across 176 countries worldwide.
