The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) will resume contract negotiations on January 7, just days before the current contract extension expires on January 15.

While the two parties have agreed on wages, discussions remain stalled over port automation.

The ILA opposes further implementation of semi-automated rail-mounted gantry cranes (RMGs), citing concerns about job impacts, while the USMX argues that such technology increases productivity and creates opportunities for workers.

The negotiations are further complicated by President-elect Donald Trump’s support for the ILA’s anti-automation stance.

Several shipping companies have announced the implementation of ILA strike surcharges for cargo moving to/from US East Coast and Gulf Coast ports starting January 10, 2025, until further notice.

Ranging as high as $2000 or more, these surcharges address potential labor-related disruptions (e.g., strikes, work stoppages, or slowdowns) and resulting port congestion.

If no disruptions occur, the surcharges will not apply.

These charges are in addition to standard fees, which can be reviewed on the respective companies’ websites.

Shipping company AP Moller-Maersk has advised customers to pick up laden containers and return empty ones at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports before January 15 to avoid potential disruptions from a strike.

The conditional wage agreement between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) expires on January 15, with a coast-wide strike possible on January 16 if no resolution is reached.

A strike could disrupt billions in trade, strain supply chains, and exacerbate inflationary pressures. Chinese New Year adds further potential complications.

Experts predict either a brief strike or a January resolution delaying automation for six more years.

Trans-Pacific container rates are rising as 2025 approaches, driven by pre-Lunar New Year demand and importers frontloading shipments ahead of potential tariffs from President-elect Trump on Chinese goods.

Analysts expect further upward pressure due to January General Rate Increases (GRIs) and Red Sea diversions caused by security risks.

Lunar New Year factory closures in Asia (Jan. 29–Feb. 12) typically reduce demand, but this year's post-holiday dip is expected to be mild due to sustained frontloading by U.S. shippers.

Record November volumes at Long Beach and Los Angeles reflect this trend, despite a decline in Chinese exports to the U.S. since the 2017 trade war.

Mexico has overtaken China as the top exporter to the U.S., aided by nearshoring efforts and trade agreements like USMCA.

However, Mexico recently raised tariffs on Chinese apparel imports to 35% and restricted access to its IMMEX program, complicating import strategies for U.S.-bound goods.

Stricter reporting requirements for e-commerce imports will also take effect in January.