The Port of Los Angeles reported a 33% drop in container arrivals last week, worse than during the Great Recession, driven by tariff fears and labor disputes, per The Washington Post. This congestion delays grains, oils, and spices by weeks, raising freight costs for Americas’ food manufacturers. Retailers warn of shortages in processed foods if delays persist. West Coast ports, overwhelmed, are diverting shipments to smaller hubs like Oakland, but capacity is limited. Analysts estimate a 5-10% cost increase for imported ingredients, urging buyers to reroute through Gulf ports or source locally. The crisis, fueled by trade policy uncertainty, underscores the need for flexible logistics strategies in global ingredient trade.

BTG’s global network ensures timely sourcing despite port disruptions. Count on us to maintain your 2025 supply chain stability.