Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited (KFTL) says the strike by dock workers on the US East and Gulf Coasts poses significant challenges for Jamaica, as the US is one of the island's major trading partners.

In a circular on Tuesday, KFTL said the duration and scale of disruption will largely depend on the length of the strike.

KFTL says local exporters may explore alternative routes via the US West Coast, although these options will be limited by capacity constraints and higher costs. It says importers may consider airfreight, albeit at a significantly higher cost.

To mitigate potential disruptions and maintain the flow of commerce, KFTL says it has implemented measures to avoid accepting additional cargo bound for the US.

It says this decision is aimed at preventing congestion and preserving operational efficiency.

In the meantime KFTL is warning that the global shipping industry is likely to experience further strain as vessels destined for US ports may face extended wait times, reducing overall supply and capacity.

"We sincerely hope for a swift resolution to the strike to prevent further disturbances to international trade. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary," it said.

The Associated Press reports that ports from Maine to Texas shut down Tuesday when the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for the first time since 1977.

Workers began walking picket lines early Tuesday, picketing near ports all along the East Coast.

Workers outside the Port of Philadelphia walked in a circle and chanted, “No work without a fair contract.”

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