Debra Phillips, President and CEO of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), has issued an urgent plea to the Biden Administration, calling for immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing U.S. port strike. Phillips emphasized the critical role the electroindustry plays in the U.S. economy, highlighting the impact the strike is having on the industry’s complex supply chains.

“The electroindustry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the U.S., and this strike is further straining our already challenged supply chain, leading to additional disruptions and delays,” Phillips stated.

NEMA, alongside over 270 other organizations, has formally requested the Biden Administration to step in and mediate the ongoing dispute between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX). This strike, Phillips pointed out, is halting over $195 million worth of electroindustry goods per day, with 30% of the nation’s electroindustry imports now stuck on ships awaiting unloading. She stressed that this blockage could have far-reaching effects, particularly on the nation’s grid infrastructure.

Phillips also noted the strike’s impact on military supply chains and the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene, which has left millions in the Southeast without power. Critical equipment required for restoring power is currently inaccessible due to the disruption.

NEMA is urging the Biden Administration to leverage all available tools to expedite contract negotiations and bring an end to the strike. “Our industry is vital to ensuring the continued delivery of the products and infrastructure that Americans depend on,” she concluded.