The slowdown of west coast ports is having a negative impact on multiple industries- especially agriculture- in California and across the country. California ports are the primary in and out for both domestic and foreign products on the west coast. Northern California Representative Doug LaMalfa addressed the House of Representatives alongside members of both major parties about the damage the slowdown is causing to the economy.

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LaMalfa says based on an estimates, a daily revenue loss of 2.1 billion dollars a day nationally, could be well over 700 billion dollars annually if the slowdowns continue.

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LaMalfa’s concern is the loss of revevnue as agricultural product potentially rots in storage and other goods are delayed to market or even replaced in market by competitive countries. As a farmer, Lamalfa knows first hand the challenge of getting product to market at competitive prices. He says once market share is lost, it is extremely difficult to recapture.

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Congressman LaMalfa does not think it is in the best interest of the employer group or union if the government gets involved. LaMalfa asks his colleagues to reach out to local constituents and the powers-that-be to urge a resolution.

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Slowdowns have impacted all 29 ports on the west coast with ships unable to dock backing up along the Pacific seaboard.