ATLANTA — As a dockworker strike at major East and Gulf Coast ports in the U.S. is underway, sparking early concern about the global supply chain and possible product shortages, Publix told 11Alive its paper products -- think toilet paper, paper towels -- should not be impacted.
There have previously been runs, notably during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, on such paper products.
But Publix said it was well-positioned to avoid any disruptions amid the dockworker strike.
"Our suppliers’ paper products are made in the U.S. and not impacted by the current port strike," the company said in a statement to 11Alive's Liza Lucas. "However, our customers can help us and their neighbors by only purchasing the items they need. This will assist in preventing temporary shortages."
Publix added that it wanted to "reassure our customers that we are receiving regular deliveries from our suppliers of toilet paper and paper towels."
The company said that at this time they are have not put any purchasing limits on any items, though they said "we may in the future to assist in inventory levels stabilizing" if a rash of panic-buying does break out.
If a temporary shortage arises, customers are asked to check again on their next shopping trip.
The International Longshoremen's Association, or ILA, and its 45,000 members went on strike just after midnight Tuesday at 14 major ports after no deal was struck with the United States Maritime Alliance employer group.
Georgia's major port, in Savannah, is among the 14. Others in the Southeast include Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, New Orleans, Charleston, Mobile, Alabama and Wilmington, North Carolina. Ports in Houston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, New York/New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia are also impacted.