Dock workers' strike sparks toilet paper panic across U.S.
The ongoing strike of dock workers at ports on the East Coast of the U.S., which began at the start of October, has become a catalyst for panic buying. Americans have compulsively begun purchasing toilet paper and paper towels out of fear of potential shortages, exacerbating the situation and leaving shelves indeed empty.
8:06 AM EDT, October 3, 2024
CNN writes that toilet paper shortages in American stores bring back memories of the pandemic era. Although the current empty shelves aren't a direct result of the port strike that began on Tuesday, the compulsive behavior of customers—termed panic buying by the media—has led to these shortages.
Hundreds of photos shared on social media on Tuesday show empty shelves in American stores where toilet paper and paper towels are normally stocked.
One user on X posted pictures of empty shelves at a local Walmart in Virginia, commenting that toilet paper has disappeared from shelves again. Another X user reported that Costco and Target in Monmouth County, NJ, are experiencing a shortage of paper towels, provoking customer panic reminiscent of 2020. This situation has fueled a frenzy.
Dock workers' strike at the ports
Authorities insist that the dock workers' strike at ports from Maine to Texas does not affect the availability of these products in stores. Over 90 percent of toilet paper in the U.S. comes from domestic factories, and the remainder usually arrives from Canada and Mexico by land, not by sea.
The American Forest and Paper Association, representing paper producers, has expressed concerns about the possible impact of the strike on exports but not imports. According to CNN, the strike may lead to more excess than a shortage of toilet paper.
Nevertheless, fearing shortages, people have started stockpiling, recalling the challenges of 2020 when stores imposed purchasing limits.
The service notes that the strike at the ports is likely to lead to shortages, primarily concerning goods the United States imports, like bananas.
