I went to Sam's club this morning and of course - no toilet paper!
We don't know exactly what comes from outside our borders, though we know it's a lot!
Great question! I was wondering this. Even so far as to wonder about future packaging issues or meat processing. This will illustrate how much is done overseas, even outside of the actual consumer products.
So far I haven’t seen anything. I went to the store last night and was able to get what I needed. However, there are a couple things I will need and I will get them now. Just normal quantities.
I just got back from Target and they had the things I needed. They also were fully stocked with toilet paper, paper towels, etc. Everything looked ok. Clothes, seasonal things, food, etc. It’s interesting to take note now vs next week, the week after, etc.
The thing I wanted to buy was my electric toothbrush heads. I change them quarterly, of course. The last pack I bought was in 2023 and I remember telling my husband, I won’t have to get these until 2025!
It never ceases to amaze me how things change so…
Found this... point being, think about where the item you want is manufactured:
"The overwhelming majority — more than 90% by some estimates — of U.S. toilet paper consumption comes from domestic factories. Most of the rest comes from Canada and Mexico, which means it most likely arrives by rail or truck, not ship.
The American Forest and Paper Association, the trade group representing paper manufacturers, expressed concerns about the impact that the port strike could have on its members. But it cited the risk to its exports to foreign markets being cut off by the strike. Not imports.
If anything, the strike could result in a glut of toilet paper. Not a shortage.?"
@elsa Ah yes. That’s the other perspective. Good point.
Also those manufacturing things here no longer have the option to ship from the east coast. That’s a big hit in an excess of goods, a potential shutdown/stoppage, possible extra transportation expenses.
I wonder what other things could be potentially impacted? What is everyone most concerned about, what products?
I am concerned about medical supplies, medications,and vitamins and things like that.
parts of all kinds, appliances... most of what we buy comes from China - period. Clothing, electronics...
@elsa So much of that. I’m even thinking of a part we need for our spare lawnmower. I don’t know where it’s made. I could easily find out. We want another solar panel for one of the trail cameras (for fame but now for security purposes)…
Not panicking but probably need to get those sooner than later.
@allie120 I would get anything you need, now, because if this continues, it will either be unavailable or pricey!
I don't mean to cause panic. This is reality.
@elsa 100%
I actually just went online to check the John Deere belt and it’s made in the USA (don’t know if this includes all the materials used to create the final product or if it is the final product).
I am aware that materials used to make a final product come from a variety of sources and it’s fascinating but also mind blowing how much I’m not aware of.
This could be a wakeup call to see how much we don’t need. But that also hurts people who depend on that for income. 🙁