SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B is trying to assuage customers’ concerns about product shortages as dockworkers began striking Tuesday at ports from Maine to Texas.

What You Need To Know

  • The beloved San Antonio-based grocery chain said its team has been working with suppliers for weeks as the strike was looming

  • A statement posted on H-E-B's social media said that “most products are not impacted by this strike”

  • Supply chain experts say consumers shouldn’t see an immediate impact from the strike, but if it were to drag on, it might lead to higher prices and delays in goods

  • Some grocery stores across the country have seen long lines as people are panic buying items such as toilet paper. It should be noted that the strike will have next to no impact on the toilet paper supply chain

The beloved San Antonio-based grocery chain said its team has been working with suppliers for weeks as the strike was looming. 

“At H-E-B, we regularly prepare for potential supply chain situations. We do not anticipate any customer impact from the port strike at this time,” an H-E-B statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, said. 

The statement also said that “most products are not impacted by this strike.”

“Our stores are receiving shipments and are in a strong position that allows our Partners to continue to restock shelves throughout the day,” the statement reads.

Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike early Tuesday morning after their union’s contract with the ports expired at midnight. The union is requesting better wages and protections against automation.

Supply chain experts say consumers shouldn’t see an immediate impact from the strike, but if it were to drag on, it might lead to higher prices and delays in goods. 

Some grocery stores across the country have seen long lines as people are panic buying items like toilet paper. One X user posted a photo of their local Walmart in Virginia being almost completely cleared out of paper products. 

It should be noted that the strike will have next to no impact on the toilet paper supply chain. Over 90% of toilet paper is made in the U.S. and the rest comes from Canada and Mexico, meaning it’s pretty much entirely shipped via trucks or trains, a CNN report emphasized.

A shortage to come immediately from the strike would be bananas because it is a perishable item that is almost entirely imported by the U.S. through its ports.