The bulk exports of soybeans and other agricultural products from the East Coast would not be directly impacted by any potential strike or lockout if an agreement is not achieved between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. However, containerized exports of soybeans and other agricultural products would be impacted.
There are several ports along the East Coast. Norfolk, Virginia, was the busiest in 2023, exporting over 1.6 million metric tons of soybeans. To provide some perspective, the Mississippi Gulf Region near New Orleans is the number one export region for soybeans, exporting 27 million metric tons from the region in 2023.
“We are starting to see agricultural exporters explore other routes like the West Coast, which will most likely mean at a higher cost and longer transit times,” says Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Council. “This will be one more cost intrusion into the supply chain.”
