Near Term Port Relief Ensures Commercial Bakers Continue Steady Supply to Feed the Nation

The American Bakers Association applauds the promise of the tentative agreement to end the East Coast and Gulf Coast longshore workers’ strike.

“Every day the strike continued would have cost U.S. commerce billions of dollars and disrupted the lives of millions of consumers. We have temporarily avoided a crisis that would have prevented commercial bakers from delivering essential food to Americans’ tables,” said American Bakers Association President and CEO, Eric Dell. “We hope that the port operators and longshore workers are able to reach an agreement beyond January that will keep supply chains stable and certain for the long-term.”

Commercial bakers across the U.S. rely on imports to manufacture their products. In 2023, the industry's imports totaled more than $3.0 billion. The strike impacted over 37% of the industry's imports, worth nearly $3.1 million of products per day. 

About the American Bakers Association
 
The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest, most established, and diverse trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. ABA’s community includes more than 350 member companies representing over 1,200 commercial baking facilities and the extensive industry supply chain.

Since 1897, ABA has served as the voice of the baking industry, offering compelling advocacy, insightful thought leadership, and comprehensive research on industry trends. ABA members also benefit from extensive business services including premier networking events, impactful knowledge sharing, and effective workforce development programs and training resources. ABA is committed to enhancing its mission by growing the category and promoting the industry as the destination workplace.