Port strikes lead to fear of food shortages and panic buying, TikTok shows [Video]

U.S. port strikes prompted panic buying of food and other goods nationwide this week, according to social media trends.

Unionized dockworkers from the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike to fight for higher pay after their contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance expired Monday night. 

The strike, which has been halted after workers reached a tentative agreement on a 62% wage increase, blocked some containers of food and other goods from entering the country, causing some Americans to take to TikTok to document their shopping experiences. 

“Panic buying begins in Virginia amid the port shutdown,” said TikTok user @nicolewilliams559 who filmed the long line at her local grocery store. “BJ’s Wholesale almost out of toilet paper and water as of 10 a.m.” 

BALTIMORE RESTAURANT OWNER SAYS PORT STRIKE IS ALREADY IMPACTING BUSINESS: ‘IT REALLY HURTS’ 

“Stop it. Just stop it,” another user, @victoria.ajl wrote. “100 people in line for paper towels again.” 

TikTok user @Txblondie2024filmed a video showing all the toilet …