When we look back on 2020, there aren't many good things to remember. The moment the pandemic started to feel real was when I was walking through the aisles at Meijer, and they were all nearly empty. But no aisle was more empty than the toilet paper aisle.

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Now in 2024 history is repeating itself (sort of), as toilet paper is flying off the shelves as news of a strike by Dockworkers along the East Coast has spurred fears of shortages. But rest assured, you do not need to stock up on toilet paper. Here's why.

👇16 ITEMS A PORT STRIKE WOULD AFFECT👇

QLD Authorities Work To Contain COVID-19 Outbreak As Brisbane Cluster Grows
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Dockworkers Strike Suspended

Earlier this week, dockworkers along the East and Gulf coasts went on strike demanding better pay and protections against automation. Already three days into the strike, cargo ships were quickly piling up. The workers have announced a temporary suspension of the strike until January 11th after agreeing to a raise in pay but a decision on automation remains unclear.

Dockworkers Strike Shuts Down Ports On Gulf And East Coasts
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Affected Goods

So obviously since workers are back to work, there won't be any real shortages on anything. But even if the strike had gone on longer, Michiganders still wouldn't have any reason to stock up on toilet paper. For starters, toilet paper is not a imported good as most toilet paper is produced here in the US. 

Stack of white tissue paper rolls.
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Dr. Subodha Kumar, a professor at FOX School of Business at Temple University, stated that

"almost all of the toilet paper that is sold in the U.S. is made within the country. The items are not imported from these ports."

While toilet paper is safe, a strike would affect fruit, auto parts, chocolate, and imported beverages like wine. So while your rear end has nothing to worry about, your car might.

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

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