Rising draft and transit constraints at the Panama Canal, exacerbated by severe drought, and potential labor disruptions on the US East Coast could redirect cargo through US Pacific Coast gateways in 2024. The canal's new measures and upcoming US East Coast longshoreman contract negotiations may prompt shippers to seek alternative routes, with the West Coast gaining some market share. Although the Panama Canal restrictions have not yet significantly affected container trade, concerns about possible delays and labor strikes are influencing shipping decisions, emphasizing the complex dynamics shaping global cargo routes.

SOURCE: GOOGLE