Shoppers flocked to big-box stores and supermarkets in a panic-buying spree sparked by the U.S. ports strike, rushing to stock up on essentials, many of which are unaffected by the work stoppage.
Experts say the strike, affecting 14 ports from Maine to Texas, will primarily impact supermarkets' access to fresh produce from the Caribbean and Latin America, packaged foods and alcohol from Europe, and some imported meats.
Despite this, consumers feared stores could run out of basic supplies, reminiscent of shortages seen during the pandemic. Similar shopping frenzies were reported in states like Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arizona.
At a Costco in New Rochelle, NY, on Thursday, cars were parked up to half a mile away, and customers pushed carts loaded with toilet paper, paper towels, and bottled water—staples that are largely produced domestically and unaffected by the strike.
At a Staten Island Costco, stockpiling of other U.S.-produced grocery items was widespread, with entire aisles of paper products almost completely emptied, as seen in video footage by FreedomNews.TV.
"Everyone came out today because they're worried about the strike. You’ve got to get the milk, the bread, the eggs, and, apparently, the paper towels too," one shopper told the outlet.
Some grocers reported an uptick in buying, but not yet at alarming levels.
Even if the strike were to end this week, supply chain disruptions could continue through the end of the month, as it will take weeks to unload the backlog of ships. As of Wednesday, at least 45 ships were anchored offshore, compared to just three before the strike began.
In addition, some regions affected by Hurricane Helene are dealing with impassable roads and highways, further complicating deliveries.
Analysts have warned that the strike could cost the economy billions of dollars per day as shipments remain stalled.
President Joe Biden has expressed support for the port workers and indicated progress on the contract, though details were not provided.