Product Shortages That Could Hit Idaho Hard Because Of Port Strike

On Tuesday, the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) went on strike at 14 ports from Maine to Texas. About 25,000 dockworkers are asking for higher wages and protections against automation. This is the first time something like this has happened at East and Gulf Coast ports since 1977. While the ports are thousands of miles from Boise, the potential impact on Idaho is undeniable.

The effects of the strike could cost people jobs and money and raise the prices of items we use every day in Idaho. If you think that Idaho won't be affected because of our geographical location, you couldn't be more wrong. Sure, many things we buy are brought in through the Port of Los Angeles, Seattle, or Canada. Still, because of our location, we rely on many different types of transportation from all over the country. Any port that is shut down affects everyone in every state. Where products are imported depends on what country they originate from, trade agreements, and where the company's United States headquarters, partner warehouses, and shipping facilities are based. Any items that can no longer be imported through the East and Gulf Coast ports will add more demand to those items coming through the West Coast ports, significantly drawing from our resources.

Below, you'll see the various ways the strike could impact us and the specific items that will likely be the most affected in Idaho.

Hopefully, the ILA strike doesn't last long, and the worst-case scenarios above don't play out.  For more info on the strike click HERE or HERE.