STRIKES AND LABOR ACTION
Disruption in many regions of the world continues to impact the flow of trade. Getting goods into terminals is challenging throughout Europe and now in South America. The threat of a strike at the largest port in the U.S. is causing concern at a time when cargo volumes are at record highs. Last-minute port omissions and a lack of schedule reliability continue to impact inventory planning. We do not expect smooth sailing in the near future. If you have any specific questions on trade lane updates, please reach out to us at any time.
Italy: Port Terminal Strike Today
Port terminal workers in Italy are on strike today, October 30, and the main Italian ports are expected to be closed. Expect delays for shipments moving through Italian ports, along with possible vessel schedule changes and backlogs once work resumes. Our Italy team will advise on any affected shipments. Cargo held at a yard because of a port closure is cargo at risk, so talk to us about the WSSA value protection program to make sure your shipment is properly insured.
France: Port Strike Today, National Strike Set for November 5
Our France team confirms 24-hour work stoppages today at Le Havre, Marseille-Fos, and Bordeaux. At Rouen, the stoppage is only partial, but terminal activity will be slower. Expect delays in container handling, possible changes to vessel schedules, and disruption to collections and deliveries by road and rail. Some terminals may see backlogs once work resumes, adding to the recovery at Le Havre. The CGT national federation of ports and docks has also filed notice for a 24-hour national port strike on Thursday, November 5. Shipments moving through French ports around these dates should plan for delays.
Chile: Truckers’ Strike at the Port of San Antonio
An indefinite truckers’ strike began October 29 at the Port of San Antonio, where more than 40 independent operators are reportedly blocking terminal access with about 200 trucks. The protest is led by the Independent Truckers Associations and stems from anger over rising fuel costs and a planned electronic toll expansion on Route 78. It will continue until the Chilean government responds. Expect delays in container pickup and delivery, and a backlog once operations resume. Please check any urgent pickups.
U.S. West Coast: Possible ILWU Local 26 Strike Starting November 1
ILWU Local 26, the watchmen’s division representing about 2% of ILWU members, has authorized a strike when its contract extension expires on Sunday, November 1. The main ILWU contract runs through 2028, but other ILWU members could honor picket lines. The Pacific Maritime Association says it will keep negotiating, but terminals that handle about 85% of Long Beach’s cargo and 33% of Los Angeles’ cargo could be affected. Both ports already have a rail backlog of more than 35,000 containers. We will share updates as they become available. We are waiting for additional news by the end of the day and hope for another extension of the contract.
Spain: General Strike Called for November 11
Spain’s two largest unions have called a 24-hour nationwide general strike for Wednesday, November 11, over housing and wages. It is too early to predict the impact on ports and trucking. Albatrans is moving up services scheduled for that day to avoid missed sailings and will notify you immediately if any booking is affected. If you have Spanish pickups, deliveries, or cut-offs around November 11, we suggest asking about earlier dates.
TRADE AND TARIFF UPDATES
Trade Policy Watch
A three-judge Court of International Trade panel heard arguments on September 30 in the consolidated challenge to the Section 301 forced-labor tariffs (10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners). The judges pressed the government on its legal basis and evidence, but there is no ruling yet and no timeline. The separate Section 301 excess-capacity investigation, which includes the EU, still has no findings. On the Irish whiskey pledge, we have not seen a Federal Register notice, so the tariff must still be paid. The Irish Whiskey Association notes that Scotch took about three months from announcement to implementation.
U.S. Customs and FMC Rulemaking: Comment Deadlines Ahead
Two comment periods remain open. The FMC proposal on Spain (Docket 26-14) closes December 14, and Spanish olive oil and other covered goods are in scope. CBP’s ANPRM on “Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility” closes December 1. Both could affect your business or supplier relationships, so please contact us to discuss filing comments. We are also planning a webinar on the shift from trade facilitation to trade enforcement, so let us know if you are interested.
LCL Services from France, Italy, and Spain/Portugal
Space is available on November sailings, so you can get your urgent holiday orders moving in time. Bi-monthly departures continue from each of these countries for your small shipments, with a per-case rate from the point of pickup to the Alba Wine and Spirits warehouse in Edison, New Jersey. All containers continue to run as operating reefers, so your cargo stays protected from fall heat. Shipments from other European countries can be added to the mix, with pickups offered in most European countries. Please let us know if you need more information!