A strike could disrupt the delivery of billions of dollars’ worth of consumer goods during peak shipping season. About 60% of America’s containerised trade would be affected. The value of containerised imports at the 36 ports amounted to $588bn last year. A strike would shut five of the ten busiest ports in North America.

Businesses are preparing for a strike by dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts, which could begin Oct. 1 if negotiations don’t yield a new contract.

Dock workers seeking better workplace protections and increased wages are threatening to strike and the outcome could lead to a banana shortage.