Canadian West Coast port closed Monday as the International Longshore and Warehouse Union launched a labor strike, halting container traffic. This closure impacts around $800 million in daily trade, significantly affecting U.S. markets relying on Canadian ports for goods like chemicals, auto parts, and perishable foods. The contract expired in March, and talks stalled after a 96% strike approval vote in September. This disruption follows earlier strikes in Montreal, affecting 40% of East Coast traffic, and adds strain on U.S. West Coast ports handling diverted freight.
