US Retailers Brace for Potential Longshoremen's Strike

US retailers are preparing for a possible dockworkers' strike that could close 36 ports on the East and Gulf coasts starting October 3rd. The strike threatens to disrupt holiday shipments and potentially fuel inflation if prolonged.

• Strike could affect 45,000 longshoremen and half of US shipping.
• Businesses accelerate shipments to mitigate potential disruptions.
• Biden administration faces pressure to intervene.
• Some companies better prepared after pandemic supply chain lessons.

While some businesses have taken proactive measures, concerns remain about potential price increases and supply chain disruptions, especially for smaller retailers lacking direct import capabilities.