A potential strike at ports on the U.S. East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico threatens to disrupt global supply chains, impacting industries worldwide, including in Europe and Poland. According to logistics firm C.H. Robinson, the strike could have catastrophic consequences for economies across various regions.
Experts from C.H. Robinson warn that a halt in operations at these critical ports could lead to significant delays. Typically, a week-long disruption could result in shipment delays of up to a month, intensifying pressures on global trade.
In 2023, the United States was Poland’s fourth-largest source of imports and one of the top ten export destinations. The value of Polish exports to the U.S. reached $11.8 billion, while imports from the U.S. were valued at $16.2 billion. Key goods included automotive parts and chemicals, such as vaccines.
Ports along the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico are among the busiest in North America. States like Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania, which import the most goods from Poland, would be severely affected if the strike, slated to begin on October 1, proceeds.
The strike would particularly affect shippers transporting goods from Europe, Oceania, and Asia to the U.S., causing a cascade of delays and increased costs. Mia Ginter, North American Director of Ocean Transportation at C.H. Robinson, noted that previous disruptions to global supply chains have shown how such strikes lead to extended transit times and added fees, from congestion charges to potential storage and detention fees.