The U.S. animal food industry would have faced reduced supplies of essential ingredients, equipment, packaging and other goods used in the production of livestock and pet food following the failure of the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) to reach a compromise, said the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA).
After more than 45,000 dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast ports began their strike on October 1, the AFIA warned of long-term economic repercussions, potential animal food supply issues and escalating costs for farmers and pet owners.
“The failure of the USMX and ILA to reach a labor agreement or of the Biden administration to intervene before the contract deadline now means that U.S. animal food manufacturers face a dire trading situation that mirrors – or could be worse than – the days of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Constance Cullman, AFIA president and CEO. "The lack of compromise not only puts these 45,000 dockworkers out of work – it also threatens the livelihoods of thousands of dedicated individuals throughout the animal food industry."
Strike meant reduced access to essential ingredients, packaging materials and more
Cullman noted the animal feed and pet food industries do not have a choice to provide vital nutrition to farm animals and pets – they have a responsibility.
"With reduced access to imports of essential ingredients, packaging materials, equipment or other goods, production of animal food may be limited at best," she said. "The animal food industry relies heavily on the interdependence of smooth shipping routes and has spent years building relationships with foreign buyers and sellers, yet overnight, could lose the ability to access or do business with international markets."
Cullman said these industries will step up and do their best to produce feed, pet food and treats but increased prices may be passed onto farmers and pet owners. "Where alternatives do not exist, due to logjams at other ports or unavailable ingredient options, feed and pet food aisles may go bare should the strike be prolonged," she said. “The Biden administration needs to tell the two parties that walking off a short dock is not a solution to their labor squabbles; the entire U.S. economy and our human and animal food supply depends on them getting back to work.”
According to the AFIA, prolonged port closures could escalate into an animal welfare crisis. Compounding the problem, some essential ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, that are critical for maintaining animal health are overwhelmingly sourced from abroad. For example, almost 100% of vitamins are imported, showing that even brief delays in shipments could significantly affect livestock and pet health.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, in 2023, grains, animal feed and hay accounted for 2.18 million metric tons, or more than 70%, of waterborne exports that ship from East and Gulf coast ports. In 2023, the overall export value for feed, feed ingredients and pet food stood at $13.4 billion and imports stood at an estimated $5.4 billion.
Adapted from a press release.
