Here’s Why You Have No Reason To Panic-Buy Toilet Paper During East Coast Port Strike

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Stores nationwide are experiencing yet another toilet paper shortage , a terrible reminder of the pandemic era. But if you think this is a result of the massive port strike across the East Coast…think again.

As reported by CNN , social media was flooded with reports of shortages at several stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Target.

However, the lack of toilet paper and other supplies is not because of the port strike. In fact, the strike will have absolutely no impact on supply.

The majority of U.S. toilet paper consumption – more than 90% by some estimates – comes from domestic factories. Most of the rest come from Mexico and Canada, arriving by rail or truck.

The American Forest and Paper Association expressed concerns about the impact that the port strike could have. However, they cited the risk of exports to foreign markets being cut off, not imports.

So What Gives?!

The reason for the toilet paper shortages in stores, simply put, is that people are “panic-buying,” a mob-like phenomenon when people rush to stock up in fear of a shortage. This occurrence is fed by the traumatic memories of shortages and purchase limits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While there could be some shortages as a result of the port strike, it will most likely be for perishable items, which are mostly imports.

For example, bananas are most likely at risk of a strike-related shortage. Imports make up nearly all of the U.S. supply of bananas, and more than half of the imports come in through ports being struck as of Tuesday morning (Oct. 1), according to the American Farm Bureau. More than a quarter of those imports come from just one port, located in Wilmington, DE.

Since bananas have a short shelf life, shippers weren’t able to ship a large volume in advance of the strike.

In conclusion, the next time you decide to panic-buy anything…maybe focus on the perishables first.

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