As Chile gears up for the export season, starting with blueberry shipments in the upcoming weeks, the looming threat of a strike by 45,000 longshoremen at key East Coast and Gulf ports in the United States has prompted a strategic shift. Chilean fruit exporters are considering rerouting their shipments to the U.S. East Coast to mitigate the impact of the anticipated work stoppage set to commence on October 1. The action could significantly affect fruit imports, with Port Wilmington in Delaware — a crucial entry for bananas and South American fruits — facing immediate disruption.
Iván Marambio, president of Frutas de Chile, highlighted the critical timing of the conflict, coinciding with the onset of Chile's 2024/25 export season. "We are starting the 2024/25 season with the first shipment of blueberries in the coming weeks, so we expect the conflict to be resolved before these shipments arrive in approximately 20 days," Marambio stated. He also noted that the Gloucester Marine Terminal, operated by Holt Logistics and not involved in the strike, would continue to process fruit exports, potentially limiting the strike's impact if resolved by October.
Should the strike extend into November, coinciding with the commencement of cherry exports, contingency plans include diverting shipments to West Coast ports to avoid congestion. The U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation, assessing the strike's potential effects on the national supply chain.
Source: Blueberries Consulting