U.S. meat exporters, along with all U.S. industries that rely on ocean shipping, are carefully watching the ongoing contract negotiations between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association. The current labor contract, which covers 29 ports in California, Oregon and Washington, is set to expire at midnight on Monday, June 30.

Both sides acknowledge that they are unlikely to agree on a new contract before the June 30 expiration date, but have stated that they plan to negotiate past this deadline. USMEF continues to monitor the situation and will report any announcements or other new developments as the deadline approaches.