Retailers Welcome Tentative Deal to Keep Ports Open

By [ Jess Dankert , Sarah Gilmore ]
Washington, DC
01/09/2025

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the statement below following news that a tentative agreement has been reached between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

“U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports are crucial links in the retail supply chain. Operating at full capacity and without the stress of potential disruption looming, retailers can continue delivering for consumers without delay or added costs, and the U.S. economy can push forward on the right track for growth.

“ILA and USMX reaching consensus on this tentative agreement is a welcome relief for all industries that rely on these ports. We urge a quick ratification of the agreement to eliminate the element of uncertainty that has long lingered over supply chains and the U.S. economy.”

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $2.7 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and hundreds of thousands of stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.