US Supply-Chain Threat Diminishes With West Coast Port Deal (1)

Workers and employers announced a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract that will cover employees at all 29 West Coast ports, a major step toward averting fresh supply-chain troubles for the US economy.

The talks dragged on for more than a year to replace the previous pact that expired July 1. Both parties must now ratify the agreement.

Shipping containers at the Port of Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California, US, on Tuesday, June 6, 2023.

Photographer: Eric Thayer/Bloomberg

The deal was announced in a joint statement by the Pacific Maritime Association — which represents employers — and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union on Wednesday, and comes as the world’s largest economy struggles with inflation and rising …