The US East and Gulf Coast ports has averted another strike, which will be a relief for shippers worldwide.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), that was threatening to call a further strike from 15 January, and the employer, US Maritime Alliance, reached an agreement with just two days to spare.

That’s good news, but the ports are experiencing a significant surge in traffic as shippers tried to get in before the strike was called and customers were stocking up on products in preparation for incoming president Donald Trump’s threatened tariff hike.  

The agreement reached with the ILA still requires ratification.

Photo: Baltimore Port.