MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Americans are once again waking up to wonder if they will be in for a shock at the grocery store.
More than 45,000 port workers have hit the picket line across the country in the first strike of its kind in decades. The workers are demanding higher pay and a ban on automatic cargo equipment.
Almost half of the items shipped into the United States come through the 36 ports where dock workers are currently on strike, which has left many worried about what will happen to the supply chain, and grocery store prices.
Now stores across the country are seeing shoppers panic buying goods ahead of a potential shortage. Despite having a Kruger tissue plant here in Memphis, which makes toilet paper for chains like Walgreens and Walmart, shoppers in recent days have been welcomed to empty shelves.
“I was here originally to get toilet paper, but it seems they’re out today," Brittany Benham told ABC24 Wednesday.
The strikes are happening in ports along the East coast and Gulf Coast, and the concern about the supply chain has many people in the Memphis area remembering the COVID pandemic.
“It’s gonna really mess up the economy," said Benham. "People are going to do what they’re doing and try and stock up, and prices are gonna go up and we’re gonna get forced to pay those prices in the long run.”
But the move to panic buy items like toilet paper might be a little too premature.
According to the Center for Land Use Interpretation, close to 90% of toilet paper sold in the US is made domestically, while the remaining 10% that is imported mostly comes from Canada and Mexico.
Some retailers have said they have prepared for the disruption to the supply chain as a result of the previous supply chain issues in 2021. So prices for most goods at the grocery store will likely remain unchanged for at least a few weeks.
"The best approach for Patina has been to secure orders early and have the goods in our warehouse and back rooms to ensure we are in stock on key goods,” said Rick Haase, owner of a mini-chain of Patina gift shops in and around the Twin Cities in Minnesota.
To avoid panic buying, a study published by the National Library of Medicine recommends limiting how much essential goods are to come by, since anxiety can be a contributing factor to panic buy. Focus on buying what is necessary, which can help with assurance.