Ag Trade Groups Urge Action on Port Labor Dispute

Agricultural trade groups, including the American Cotton Shippers Association, have urged President Biden and President-elect Trump to address labor disputes at East and Gulf Coast ports. In letters sent yesterday, the group highlighted the urgency of a new agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance before the contract expires on January 15, 2025. The groups warned that prolonged shutdowns could disrupt $1.4 billion in weekly agricultural trade, with 40% of U.S. agricultural exports dependent on these ports, and harm U.S. competitiveness.

Letter to President Biden here.

Letter to President-elect Trump here.

More Advocacy Issues

ATWG Coalition Letter

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The American Cotton Shippers Association joined a coalition of agricultural organizations in a letter to Congress urging a balanced approach to rail safety legislation that protects both safety and supply chain efficiency. The group emphasized the importance of a reliable freight rail network to U.S. agriculture and raised concerns that certain proposed mandates could increase […]

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ACSA Update: The Week Ahead

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Please use the link below for a glance at the upcoming events for the week of April 6. Document here.

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Senate BACA Coalition Letter

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A large and diverse coalition of cotton industry stakeholders, including the American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA), has sent a letter to Members of the U.S. Senate urging them to co-sponsor the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA). The letter, signed by organizations representing the full cotton supply chain, from producers and merchants to brands and retailers, […]

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BACA Coalition Letter

February 25th, 2026

A large and diverse coalition of cotton industry stakeholders — including the American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) — has sent a letter to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to co-sponsor the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA). The letter, signed by organizations representing the full cotton supply chain — from producers and […]

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President Trump designated Laura DiBella as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) following her recent swearing-in and Senate confirmation as a commissioner. As Chairman and the FMC’s chief executive, Ms. DiBella will lead the agency’s oversight of the international ocean transportation. More here.

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