Items Louisiana Residents Should Stock Up On Amid Strike…

As a strike by dockworkers continues, Louisiana residents may soon notice that some essential products are becoming harder to find. Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas have walked off the job, leading to closures at 36 East and Gulf Coast ports. The strike is expected to impact the availability of many items, creating shortages and possibly driving up prices.

This is the first major strike since 1977 by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), and experts are warning that the supply chain disruptions could be some of the worst since the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike could cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion daily, making things tough for businesses and shoppers.

In a recent article by USA Today, they broke down a few of the items that you might want to stock up on or we could see a shortage of, or even see higher prices on here in Louisiana moving forward.

What Products Are Likely to Be Affected?

Because a large percentage of U.S. ocean imports come through the affected ports, the availability of many products is likely to be impacted. Some of the items that Louisiana residents might want to stock up on include:

• Seafood: Items like cod from Iceland, shrimp from Thailand, and other imported seafood may be scarce. These perishable products need refrigeration and can't be easily shipped by train.
• Electronics: Cell phones, laptops, and other electronics from Southeast Asia are commonly shipped through East Coast ports. This means there could be a shortage of these items in the coming weeks.
• Pharmaceuticals: Though some medicines can be shipped by air, there may still be shortages if the strike lasts too long. Stocking up on important medications is a good idea.

• Cars and Auto Parts: Vehicles and parts from Europe often arrive through these ports. This could lead to delays in getting car repairs or finding new cars.
• Machinery Parts: Machinery and precision tools could also be affected, which might impact industries that rely on these parts.
• Alcohol: Imported wine, beer, and spirits could become harder to find. While there are domestic options, imported drink fans may want to prepare for shortages.
• Bananas: About 75% of the bananas consumed in the U.S. come through the East and Gulf Coast ports. Given their perishable nature, bananas are unlikely to be flown in, so this is another item to stock up on.

READ MORE FROM USA TODAY BY CLICKING HERE

This strike is expected to be particularly challenging for consumers during the holiday shopping season. If you rely on any of these items, it might be wise to get ahead of potential shortages now. Prices may go up as the strike continues, affecting not just large purchases but everyday essentials as well.