East and Gulf Coast ports are also important junctions for exports of raw cotton, animal feed, soybeans and meats and imports of bananas, beverages, grocery items, fruit and wine. Munch estimated that the strike could have a $1.4 billion impact on containerized agricultural exports and imports for each week it goes on.

The union has already disrupted the delivery of billions of dollars’ worth of consumer goods during peak shipping season. About 60% of America’s containerised trade is affected. The strike shut six of the ten busiest ports in North America.

As the strike keeps East Coast and Gulf Coast ports closed for a second day, the Biden administration increased pressure on port employers to reach a deal with the ILA.