DP World port dispute: how damaging is this to Australia’s economy and will it push up prices?

Containers at the DP World terminal at Sydney’s Port Botany in November. The port dispute has reportedly affected the likes of Coles, Woolworths, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images

Industrial action at the nation’s busiest ports will have a cascading impact on multiple industries and pose a significant threat to the economy, independent experts have warned.

On Friday, the Fair Work Commission ruled that workers at Australia’s second largest port operator, DP World, could stop work at its Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle terminals. It’s the latest instance of industrial action since October.