The possible dockworkers' strike on the east coast of the United States, scheduled to begin on October 1, is shaping up as a major obstacle for Colombian exports, especially for agri-food products. The president of Analdex, Javier Díaz Molina, expressed the foreign trade association's concern about the potential impact this would have on key products such as unroasted coffee, bananas, and coffee essences, which are particularly vulnerable to port delays due to their tight delivery requirements.
In 2023, Colombian exports to the US amounted to $14.8 billion and its agri-food exports to this market totaled $4.1 billion. 61.3% of all Colombian exports to this market, equivalent to $9.1 billion, were shipped by sea to the East Coast, using major ports such as Houston, Newark, Corpus Christi, Port Everglades, and Miami. The strike could significantly disrupt this trade flow, affecting exports, generating delays, creating product shortages in the US, and economic losses for Colombian exporters.
In addition to the direct impact on exports, there is a risk of congestion in alternative ports and possible bottlenecks in the Panama Canal, which could further complicate logistics. This scenario is reminiscent of the empty container crisis experienced during the pandemic, which upset the balance of global trade and increased transportation costs.
The situation poses a challenge for Colombia, which seeks to maintain the positive momentum of its exports in the context of logistical and commercial uncertainty. The dockworkers' strike on the US East Coast could have lasting repercussions for Colombian exporters and global trade dynamics.
Source: elespectador.com