Washington | The largest port strike to hit America’s east and south coasts in 50 years could lead to shortages in everything from Dr Pepper soft drink to a popular pasta sauce if not resolved soon, and is already piling pressure on President Joe Biden just over a month from the election.

The strike, which also threatens to reignite inflation and push up unemployment, could eventually force Mr Biden to trigger an act of Congress that would enforce an 80-day cooling-off period during which workers would have to return to their posts.