A potential strike by thousands of dockworkers on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports is set to begin on Tuesday, raising concerns about significant disruptions to supply chains and consumer goods, including medicine and holiday gifts. President Biden has stated that he will not intervene, despite the urgency of the situation as talks between unions and port operators have stalled. With only days left to avoid the strike, retailers, including Costco, are bracing for empty shelves and price hikes. The looming strike is expected to have a ripple effect across industries, particularly agriculture, leading to increased freight rates and shortages of essential products like bananas. As tensions escalate, the Biden administration is urging negotiations to prevent chaos. The consequences could affect not just local markets but also international trade, with experts warning that a longshoremen's strike could disrupt about 2% of global shipping capacity.