Port Strike Updates

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative agreement to extend the Master Contract until January 15, 2025.

Late yesterday, President-elect Trump posted a statement, voicing his support for the ILA’s position on automation. Post here.

The ILA posted the statement on its Facebook page. Statement here. The statement was released after President-elect Trump met with ILA executives.

The USMX issued a statement in response to President-elect Trump. Statement here.

The coalition letter sent last week discussed the need for automation and modernization the ports. Letter here.

Articles of Interest

Trump Expresses Support for U.S. Dockworkers, Wall Street Journal (12/12)
Trump appears to side with union in port contract dispute, Axios (12/12)
Trump sides with dockworkers preparing to strike over automation, Washington Post (12/12)
Trump backs ILA in port labor standoff, American Shipper (12/12)
Trump Backs US Dockworkers Poised to Strike Over Automation, Bloomberg (12/12)
Donald Trump Supports ILA Leadership in Fight Over Port Automation, Maritime Executive (12/12)
Trump Backs Longshoremen in Port Automation Dispute as January Strike Deadline Looms, gCaptain (12/12)

More Advocacy Issues

Ag Trade Groups Urge Action on Port Labor Dispute

December 20^th, 2024

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 […]

ACSA Update: The Week Ahead

December 16^th, 2024

Please use the link below for a glance at the upcoming events for the week of December 16. Document here.

Joint Coalition Letter to ILA & USMX

December 6^th, 2024

The American Cotton Shippers Association, along with over 260 local, state, and federal trade associations, signed onto a letter urging the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) to resume contract negotiations. Letter here.

CBP Update Isotopic Testing Guidance

November 13^th, 2024

Last week, the Customs Border Protection (CBP) released updated guidance on isotopic testing, as the agency seeks to find more efficient mechanisms for determining the origin of cotton within U.S. textile imports. The document states “… CBP is enhancing its isotopic testing capabilities at three of its laboratories. As a result of these efforts, CBP […]

Briefing on Hurricane Helene

October 29^th, 2024

On October 28, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) held a briefing on the coordinated inter-agency response to the agricultural impact of Hurricane Helene. See below for takeaways, discussion points, and other details. More here.

Joint Coalition Letter to President Biden

October 2^nd, 2024

Today, a letter was sent to President Biden, signed by the American Cotton Shippers Association and more than 270 other local, state, and federal trade associations. The letter urged President Biden and his administration to use all of its authorities to end the port strike, get the ports open, and get the parties back to […]