Which Products Could Be Affected by a Lengthy Port Strike? Alcohol, Bananas, and Seafood, to Name a Few—But No Need to Panic-Buy Toilet Paper

With dockworkers from Maine to Texas now on strike, you may notice shortages of some products—like alcohol, bananas, and seafood—but there’s no need to panic-buy toilet paper.

As of Wednesday, 45,000 members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) went on strike, shutting down 36 East and Gulf Coast ports. While the strike could disrupt the supply chain for many imported goods, toilet paper won’t be impacted. Some shoppers have already started clearing out store shelves, fearing a repeat of the 2020 shortages, but experts assure that toilet paper supplies are secure.

In fact, most U.S. toilet paper comes from domestic factories, and what little is imported arrives by rail or truck from neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. Dr. Kumar, an expert on supply chain stability, emphasizes that the port strike will have “zero impact” on the availability of paper products. The American Forest and Paper Association also confirmed that if anything, the strike could lead to excess toilet paper supply, not a shortage.

While you may see delays on items like bananas, imported alcohol, and seafood, everyday essentials like paper towels and toilet paper are fully stocked. Large retailers have prepared for potential disruptions, but smaller businesses may struggle more if the strike continues into the holiday season.

So, while it’s smart to plan ahead for certain goods, there’s no need to worry about stocking up on toilet paper.