Port Strikes Could Bring Shortages on These 16 Items in Indiana

By now we have all heard about the massive strikes taking place along the East Coast, and you have probably seen the photos of panicked shoppers emptying store shelves of - all things - toilet paper.

Step Away from the Toilet Paper

First of all, let's all take a big breath, and step away from the toilet paper. Unless you are actually out at home, and just need to restock, there is no need to stock up. Paper products like toilet paper and paper towels are manufactured and shipped from right here in the United States. This means the port strikes will have no impact on the availability of toilet paper. However, panic buying it absolutely will.

Why Port Workers are Striking

Now, before we get into what actually could be impacted by the strikes, let's look at why the strike is happening in the first place. There are nearly 50,000 members of the International Longshoremen's Association that are currently striking after the organization has failed to come to an agreement on contract terms with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX).

Port employees perform grueling and crucial work. Dockworkers are rallying against a growing trend among port operators to increase the number of cranes and driverless trucks – which use fewer humans – to shuttle goods from container ships. The longshoreman’s union is demanding “airtight” language that the ports won’t introduce automation “or semi-automation.” The USMX is offering to keep its current contract language, which the union says is not strong enough. - CNN

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Negotiating For More Pay Too

In addition, workers are asking for annual raises of $5 per hour every year for the next six years. This would give them a 77% pay hike at the end of that six years. The USMX has counter offered with an average increase of just $3 per hour.

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The Strike Could Cost the Country Billions of Dollars

According to CNN, if this strike lasts for only one week, it is still projected to cost the American economy nearly $2.1 billion. Most of that would be the loss of perishable goods that won't be delivered.

Most of that would be a $1.5 billion loss in the value of the goods that couldn’t be delivered on time, such as perishable goods. - CNN

Importation Halted All Along the East Coast Due to Strikes

The strike has effectively halted the importation of goods through nearly every port along the eastern seaboard. That means that there are a number of items that won't be making it into the country and to consumers. Many are consumable food items, but some of them are not.

Below is a list of 16 items that we could see a shortage of here in Indiana as a result of the strikes on the East Coast.

[Source: CNN]

Port Strikes Could Bring Shortages on These 16 Items in Indiana

With port workers all up and down the East Coast on strike, there is potential for shortages on some items. Below are 16 items that could be in short supply as a result of the strikes, and 1 item that you don't need to worry over.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals