Kim Glas, President and CEO of the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), has called on President Biden to intervene in the ongoing strike at East and Gulf Coast ports. In a letter, Glas highlighted the damaging effects of the strike on the US textile industry, which is already struggling due to Hurricane Helene.

Glas stressed the urgent need for a resolution, stating the strike threatens both domestic competitiveness and the broader textile and apparel co-production chain in the Western Hemisphere, which supports 2 million workers and $40 billion in trade.

With 70 per cent of US textile exports going to Western Hemisphere free trade partners, the disruption is impacting critical supply chains. Glas also noted the hurricane's devastation, which has left some companies with severe damage and others with halted operations.

The industry has already seen 21 plant closures in the past 18 months, making this strike even more damaging. Glas appealed to President Biden for immediate action to prevent further disruptions and protect the industry’s recovery efforts.