The International Longshoremen's Association will likely go on strike at ports on the East Coast of the US beginning December 29, according to Global Development & Management LLC, a company that helps petfood manufacturers establish export markets.

The company says negotiations through a federal mediator are ongoing; however, the association is expected to call for a strike lasting a week to 10 days based on results from the previous port strike on the West Coast of the US. During the strike, Global Development & Management expects freight rates off the West Coast of the US will increase by US$800 to US$1,000 per container.