U.S. ports from Maine to Texas shut down early on Tuesday. The dockworkers’ union went on a large-scale strike for the first time since 1977. As workers began walking picket lines near ports along the East and Gulf coasts, some Americans became concerned about shortages—especially of basic supplies like toilet paper.
The International Longshoremen’s Association is the union representing the 45,000 striking U.S. dockworkers. After three days of striking at 36 U.S. ports, the group reached a deal on Thursday.
It’s true that a port shutdown lasting more than a few weeks could have raised prices and created shortages of goods throughout the country. Those shortages could have happened just as the holiday shopping season and the presidential election approached.
For now, any disruption from a strike is on hold. Still, many people had already started worrying about running out of paper products. Stores like Costco began selling out.
However, toilet paper makers say that U.S. consumers need not fear running low on rolls due to this week’s three-day strike.
The American Forest and Paper Association represents makers of toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, and other wood products. It says it is not aware of any disruption to tissue product delivery in the United States.
The association spoke out after seeing reports on social media of consumers stocking up on toilet paper. It’s a common reaction in times of crisis. Shoppers also hoarded toilet paper in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the trade group says about 85% of toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and tissues used in the country is made by U.S.-based producers. That means the supply is not affected by the port strike.
According to the deal reached with the dockworkers’ union, members will keep working until January 15. That should give enough time to come up with a new contract—without the need for Americans to slow their roll.
