A silent storm is brewing in U.S. waters, with the potential to directly impact global trade. Over 30 American ports, including 5 of the 10 largest in North America, are on the verge of a total shutdown in the coming days.

The reason? Major unions representing U.S. dockworkers and port laborers are threatening to go on strike if a new labor agreement is not reached with maritime shipping companies. The current contract negotiations are nearing expiration, and tensions revolve around two main issues: wage increases and the rejection of port automation plans.

If no consensus is reached, about 45,000 workers are expected to walk off the job, which could trigger a ripple effect throughout the maritime shipping chain on the U.S. East Coast. The impact of such a strike would be devastating, with estimated daily losses of up to $5 billion due to the disruption in the flow of goods to various parts of the world.

The strike could affect approximately 60% of all U.S. shipments, potentially leading to significant delays in deliveries of imported goods—or even the cancellation of these deliveries. Moreover, the effects may be felt across the U.S. economy, with rising inflation being one of the possible outcomes.

The Biden administration is evaluating alternatives to mitigate the effects of the strike, such as redirecting cargo to Canadian ports or increasing the use of railways. However, none of these solutions seem sufficient to avoid the losses, and the White House is already considering intervening directly in the negotiations.

The relevance of this potential strike goes beyond the ports. About 69% of all goods traded by the U.S. are transported by sea. American ports employ over 31 million people and handle more than $5 trillion annually. If the strike occurs, the impacts will be global, affecting consumers and businesses in various countries.