A looming strike at East and Gulf Coast ports threatens to disrupt supply chains at the height of peak import season. While businesses have prepared, experts warn of billions in economic losses if the work stoppage lasts.

The facility in Newark, N.J., is among six U.S. ports that would be operated by Dubai Ports World under the controversial deal. Thousands of port workers on East and gulf coast are on strike as they try and work out a new contract deal. New York officials say they have been preparing for this.

The union representing thousands of dock workers from Maine to Texas launched a strike Tuesday over wages and the use of automation, shutting down major seaports.

The International Longshoreman's Association is working to increase pay for port workers across the East and Gulf Coasts.

Tens of thousands of longshoremen went on strike at midnight ET, shutting down major ports along the East and Gulf coasts and choking off deliveries of everything from produce to auto parts.Consumers aren’t likely to feel the pinch unless a walkout lasts for multiple weeks,