If longshore workers at East and Gulf coast ports go on strike Tuesday, as now appears likely, it could choke off the supplies of many popular products that flow over those docks. But not necessarily right away.

As thousands of dockworkers from major ports spanning Maine to Texas walk off the job to strike, consumers could feel the effects when they shop. Why it matters: A protracted contract battle between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance could strain supply chains ahead of the holiday shopping blitz just as slowing inflation had consumers weighing spending more.