A strike by thousands of United States port workers could have a big impact on the operations of some local businesses.

American media report that U.S. East and Gulf Coast port workers are set to go on strike at midnight, with no discussions scheduled for today to head off a stoppage that threatens to halt container traffic from Maine to Texas and cost the U.S. economy billions per day.

The labour contract between the International Longshoremen’s Association, the union representing 45,000 port workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance employer group expires today, with negotiations at an impasse over pay.

Some 100,000 containers will remain stored at the port until any industrial action ends.

The bulk of cargo destined to and from Jamaica is shipped through ports expected to be affected by the strike.

Both the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the opposition People’s National Party are concerned about the likely impact of a strike by U.S. port workers.

President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Sydney Thwaites says a lot of the goods being shipped to Jamaica originate on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.