Toilet paper manufacturers have reassured consumers in the United States that they should not be concerned about shortages despite an ongoing strike at US ports. The American Forest and Paper Association, representing producers of toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, and other wood products, stated that there is no evidence of the strike affecting the delivery of tissue products within the country.
Addressing reports circulating on social media about panic buying of toilet paper, the association highlighted that around 85% of toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and tissues used in the US are produced by domestic manufacturers and are not impacted by the strike. This assurance comes amidst memories of consumer stockpiling during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The strike, initiated by members of the International Longshoremen’s Association on Tuesday, has affected operations at 36 East and Gulf coast ports. American Forest and Paper Association CEO, Heidi Brock, expressed the urgency for the US Maritime Alliance, representing ports and shipping companies, and the union representing approximately 45,000 dockworkers to swiftly reach an agreement. This will enable the association’s members to resume exports without delay.
The toilet paper makers’ message aims to allay any fears and prevent unnecessary hoarding as the strike continues to unfold. While the strike has undoubtedly caused disruptions, the industry remains confident in the domestic production capacity to sustain the supply chain of essential paper products across the nation.