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The Global Effects of Strikes: The Situation at U.S. Ports and Possible Outcomes for Turkey

In 2024, strikes at U.S. ports caused major disruptions in global supply chains.

The West Coast strike left hundreds of thousands of containers stranded, leading to significant delays across various sectors of global trade. Such events not only affect local economies but also create worldwide ripple effects, disrupting production and logistics. When ports shut down, shipping routes change, containers are diverted, and overall trade volumes decline.

In Turkey, there hasn’t been a large-scale strike of this nature in recent years. However, during the Covid pandemic, operational slowdowns and restrictions were observed at key Turkish ports, including Alsancak Port. These slowdowns, triggered by strict lockdown measures, impacted operations temporarily but were not comparable to the prolonged disruptions caused by a strike.

If a strike similar to the one in the U.S. were to occur at Alsancak Port, the consequences for Turkey’s economy would be severe.

A significant portion of the country’s foreign trade depends on maritime routes, with Alsancak Port being one of the busiest in the Aegean region, handling approximately 169,000 TEUs annually. A 10-day closure could cause significant disruptions to foreign trade, with idle containers delaying both imports and exports and adversely affecting production timelines.

The global repercussions of such a disruption should also be considered. Alsancak Port is a critical hub for Turkey’s exports to Europe and Mediterranean countries. A prolonged closure could severely impact container shipments to these regions, disrupt transshipment activities, and lead to increased costs and logistical challenges. As a key transshipment point for the Mediterranean route, particularly for cargo bound for the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, any halt in operations would result in delays and higher costs for international trade.

In summary, a prolonged strike at Alsancak Port could have far-reaching consequences for both Turkey’s economy and global trade.

Maintaining the seamless operation of Turkey’s port infrastructure is vital to ensuring the continuity of foreign trade and mitigating potential disruptions to the global logistics network. Proactive measures are essential to prevent such crises and safeguard both local and international commerce.

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