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Dock workers at eastern Gulf coast ports from
Maine to Texas began walking picket lines on
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October 1st.
And reports suggest that the strike could cause
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price increases and shortages for large and
small retailers.
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The height of the COVID-19 pandemic may have
been four years ago but people apparently still
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remember the toilet paper shortage that befell
us consumers.
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According to multiple news outlets including
CNN and a local station in Houston,
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shoppers are once again flocking to stores to
panic, buy the product.
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However, those same reports in that this very
act is more likely to cause empty shelves than
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the dock workers strike.
Referencing the center for land use
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interpretation Khou reported that 90% of toilet
paper consumed in the US is produced
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domestically.
The remaining 10% is mostly imported from
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Mexico and Canada Khou added that 80% of toilet
paper production originates from three
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companies, Kimberly, Clark, Georgia Pacific and
Proctor and Gamble.
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All American companies.
The work stoppage could however impact other
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goods if the strike persists for over a month.
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CNN reported that this includes perishable
items such as bananas with nearly 100% of the
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US supply being imported other affected goods
could include chocolate,
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specialty meats and alcoholic beverages.
Khiu cited supply chain and logistics expert,
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Margaret Kidd who said an extended strike could
boost prices but added that consumers do not
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need to buy groceries in bulk.
Retailers have also adapted since the pandemic
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by securing orders early and stocking goods in
their warehouses to ensure availability during
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disruptions.
I’m Ella Bilstein.
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This is manufacturing now.