Consumer items from navel oranges to electronics lay untouched at West Coast ports as both imports and exports continue to be affected by the worsening slowdown caused by labor disputes.

News outlets including CNN reported that the Pacific Maritime Association has accused the Longshore Workers union of creating a work slowdown that has stranded billions of dollars’ worth of goods at the ports. Twenty-nine West Coast ports are reporting slow or stopped operations. Federal officials have stepped in to renew stalled contract talks between West Coast dockworkers and their employers, with the White House dispatching Secretary of Labor Tom Perez to bring both sides in the contentious debate to the negotiating table.  At issue are wages and work rules. The affected West Coast ports are a critical entry point for billions of dollars in trade with Asia.

Even after a deal is reached, the congestion will take some time to clear up, according to Jon Slangerup, CEO of the Port of Long Beach. It could be six to eight weeks after that before deliveries return to normal.

For more information, contact Bill Skinner at WB Skinner Customs Broker.