Toilet paper and grocery rush due to TikTok users' port strike fears.

This week, nationwide panic buying of food and other goods occurred due to the U.S. port strikes, as indicated by social media trends.

After their contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance expired Monday night, dockworkers from the International Longshoremen's Association went on strike to demand higher wages.

After a tentative agreement on a 62% wage increase, the strike was halted, but it had previously blocked some containers of food and other goods from entering the country, prompting Americans to document their shopping experiences on TikTok.

"Amid the port shutdown, panic buying starts in Virginia, as shown by TikTok user @nicolewilliams559's video of the long line at her local grocery store. BJ's Wholesale is almost out of toilet paper and water by 10 a.m."

""Please stop the long line for paper towels," @victoria.ajl wrote."

A video was posted on TikTok by @Txblondie2024, showcasing the empty shelves of toilet paper and paper towels in her local store.

"She reassured her followers that the ports being closed was not cause for panic, as all the toilet paper and paper towels had already been sold out due to people's fear. The reason for this was that the products were made in the United States, and there was still shipping available within the country."

A TikTok user, Kailee, shared her experience of visiting numerous stores to find the right baby formula.

"She stated that she didn't think much about the port strike, knowing that they would be affected, but not to this extent."

Another TikTok user claimed that parents, like herself, are crying due to the stockpiling of formula, which has resulted in a shortage.

"Please be mindful of others during this formula shortage, moms," @dpags1234 urged. "We should support one another instead of hoarding formula. I've seen moms buy more than 20 cans when stores have limits, which is unfair to those who can't. Let's work together to ensure that everyone has access to the formula they need."

People documented their grocery store trips to prepare for possible food shortages.

Ken Mahoney, President of Mahoney Asset Management, explained the panic buying phenomenon to Planet Chronicle Digital.

He explained that grocery stores often have full shelves, even if the items are not being sold, to prevent panic and the belief of a shortage.

"If there is a shortage, the shelves may not be full, which can lead people to think only for themselves and hoard excessively. This behavior can start when people become irrational, such as buying all the bananas at the grocery store."

Ted Jenkin, CEO and co-founder of Oxygen Financial, reassured Planet Chronicle Digital that Americans should not panic yet despite many people's concerns.

"If the strike lasts for a couple of weeks or extends for 30 days, Americans may experience a significant increase in the prices of seafood, alcohol, and bananas. Additionally, cell phones, computers, and auto parts could also face supply risks."

Some retailers "stocked up anticipating that this strike was possible," as Jenkin explained that most holiday goods have already been shipped from overseas.

He stated that some companies have already shifted their container shipments to West Coast ports, which may not affect the holiday supply chain but could result in slightly higher prices for consumers due to increased shipping costs.