Labor deal secures access to U.S. ports, boosts Chilean grape exports amid strong harvest

Chilean grape exporters are pleased with the labor agreement between the USMX and ILA, preventing a potential strike at East Coast ports. This deal, resolving a long-standing dispute, ensures uninterrupted shipments during the peak of Chile's grape export season, avoiding disruptions for exporters who rely on these ports to sell their fresh fruit in the U.S. With a 5% increase in grape crop this season and strong U.S. demand, exporters anticipate maintaining competitive prices due to the high quality of this year's crop. The absence of strike-related delays reinforces Chile's competitive position in the U.S. market, especially amidst challenges like fluctuating demand from China.

Chilean grape exporters are celebrating news of a tentative labor agreement between the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), which averts a major disruption at East Coast ports. The agreement, which resolves a long-standing labor dispute, removes the threat of a Jan. 15 strike that could have derailed shipments during the peak of Chile's grape export season. It also allows for uninterrupted operation of vital ports for Chilean exporters, who rely on these gateways to sell fresh fruit to U.S. markets. Nicolas Damm of Rio Blanco, a major Chilean grape exporter, said the industry had been uneasy before the announcement. "Shipping lines were canceling bookings and vessels bound for the East Coast, which was causing a lot of concern," he said. Chile's grape crop is 5% higher this season, due to good growing conditions and the entry of young vines into production. Exporters have already begun shipping early varieties, including ...