Experts say there’s no reason to panic buy as the port strike worries some Pittsburgh shoppers

GREENSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) – When it comes to imported goods at local stores during the port strike, experts say now is not the time for panic buying.

“It’s just crazy. There is no toilet paper. There are no paper towels,” Nicole Humphrey of Greensburg said outside the Hempfield Walmart on Thursday. “People are going crazy again. Everyone needs to relax for a moment.”

The reason for the panic buying is this Longshoremen at ports on the East and Gulf Coasts are on strike For the first time in almost half a century. This has left the public concerned about product shortages.

“As far as paper towels and toilet paper go, I think people will realize that soon These products are made in the States and these should be replenished soon,” Humphrey said. “Hopefully people will realize it soon, calm down and only take what they need, because then there will be no shortage if you only take what you need.”

In fact, according to Jason Miller, head of supply chain management at Michigan State University, 90% of paper products like toilet paper and paper towels are made in the United States and are not affected in any way by the slowdown at ports.

So which products could be affected by the strike? This mainly includes fruits and vegetables, especially bananas. According to the US Farm Bureau, more than 75% of US bananas arrive at ports managed by the striking International Longshoremen’s Association.

Other foods that could become scarce in a few weeks include cherries, cheese, chocolate and sugar. And imported beer, wine and spirits, including rum and Scotch, could soon become scarce.

It could also become harder to get some imported cars, but that wouldn’t happen until U.S. inventories run out, which could take several months.

Of course, only time will tell how long the longshoremen’s strike will last and what impact this strike will have on consumers in the Pittsburgh area.