National Impacts of Oregon Grain Terminal Labor Talks

An article from the Portland Business Journal explains that the labor discussions between longshoremen and six Pacific Northwest grain terminals has implications far beyond the local market. The region is one of the nation's biggest avenues for Asia-bound grain.

The six regional grain terminals are among nine that have handled nearly one-third (30%) of all U.S. grain exports and nearly one-half of all wheat exports so far this year. That includes not only the wheat and barley produced in Oregon and Washington, but also corn and soybeans coming from Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

Asia isn't the only affected market. Countries such as Spain may also be seeking alternative routes or sources of grains. More information is available in the full article.