Grain shipments by some railways in the United States can stop from September 14 amid strikes of workers in the transport sector. National Grain and Feed Association chief economist Max Fisher warned.
“We are getting information that grain shipments by certain railways may stop on Wednesday,” he said in an interview for Farm Magazine.
According to Fischer, there are already difficulties in transporting a number of goods, particularly chemicals and poisonous materials. He added that members of the association are already working on a plan to minimise damage caused by delayed shipments of crops.
The economist also stressed that disruptions in rail services could have a negative impact on the entire food industry.
The US railway workers unions are pushing for better working conditions and are planning to call a nationwide strike from 16 September. The president of the American Chamber of Commerce, Suzanne Clark, stated that the forthcoming strike would be a “national disaster” for the country.
White House officials said they were working on a plan to support the economy in the event of a railway shutdown. President Joe Biden called on union leaders to find a compromise and prevent a strike.