Over 45,000 dockworkers at US East and Gulf Coast ports went on strike on October 1, halting about half of the country’s ocean shipping operations. The strike follows a breakdown in wage negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). These ports, spanning from Maine to Texas, handle a significant portion of U.S. agricultural exports, raising concerns about potential widespread disruptions.

While the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) clarified that non-containerized bulk exports, such as grains, will remain unaffected, containerized agricultural products and feed exports moving through East and Gulf Coast ports could face significant delays. The National Feed and Grain Association (NFGA) stressed that the timing is critical, as the strike coincides with harvest season. Even minor delays, the association warned, could have a "disruptive and harmful effect" on the agricultural supply chain. NFGA said that approximately 40% of US containerized agricultural exports move through the ports along the East and Gulf Coasts.

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) raised alarms about long-term consequences for the feed and pet food industries. AFIA president Constance Cullman warned of potential shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, and increased costs, mirroring challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She noted that US feed manufacturers rely heavily on imported ingredients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are essential for maintaining animal health. Delays in these imports could lead to an animal welfare crisis, AFIA said.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, in 2023, grains, animal feed and hay accounted for 2.18 million metric tons, or more than 70%, of waterborn exports that ship from East and Gulf Coast ports.