Trade groups are expressing relief, after the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) appeared to have averted another U.S. port strike. Even so, the exact terms of the tentative deal between the two sides have yet to be released, and it still needs approval from union members before it can be finalized. 

The ILA and USMX announced the tentative collective bargaining agreement in a joint release on January 8, stating that the deal protects existing union jobs, and establishes a framework for implementing new technologies that will create new jobs and make port operations more efficient. Shortly after the announcement, President Biden released a statement applauding the dockworkers' union for "delivering a strong contract." 

"Today’s tentative agreement between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance shows that labor and management can come together to benefit workers and their employers," Biden said. 

The National Retail Federation (NRF) released a statement as well, praising union and port leaders for "providing certainty and avoiding further disruptions." 

"The agreement will also pave the way for much-needed modernization efforts, which are essential for future growth at these ports and the overall resiliency of our nation’s supply chain," the NRF added.

In the lead-up to the tentative deal, other trade groups had urged the ILA and USMX to find common ground before the January 15 deadline, and what could have been the second East and Gulf Coast port strike in three months. That included the Shippers Coalition, which had called on Biden and President-elect Trump to intervene if negotiations fell apart. 

“Action must be taken immediately to prevent long-term consequences for U.S. retailers, consumers, and the economy at large,” Shippers Coalition deputy executive director Alexis Oberg said in a statement released the day before the ILA and USMX announced the agreement.