The International Longshore and Warehouse Union delegates are moving forward with early contract discussions with the Pacific Maritime Association. Their existing contract expire on July 1, 2019. NPPC President John Weber is pleased they’re moving forward with talks. He says that’s critical in preventing any possible stoppage or slow down of pork exports and other commodities.

He says even though the present contract doesn’t run out for three years it’s important to start early because the negotiations are generally delicate and take a lot of time.

Weber says most of the U.S. pork export markets are served by those West Coast ports so this development is very positive for the pork industry.

U.S. agriculture and trade groups suffered billions of dollars in losses during the West Coast port slowdown from mid 2014 to February of 2015.