The Main Products the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana Imports

The Port of New Orleans is one of the most important ports in America. With the current Dockworkers strike causing consumer uncertainty and panic buying across the U.S., let’s take a look at the main products that are imported into the Port of NOLA that could possibly affect you if the strike lingers.

Oh, it’s not toilet paper or bottled water. Those items are made in the USA and not imported, so stop panic buying those things, OK?

Dockworkers Strike Shuts Down Ports On Gulf And East Coasts

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Dockworkers Strike Port NOLA

The Port of New Orleans, located along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, is one of the most important ports in the United States and the Gulf Coast region.

It’s a vital hub for both domestic and international trade, contributing significantly to the economy of New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and the entire country.

The Port NOLA plays a significant role in supporting jobs and businesses in Louisiana. The port employs more than 119,000 workers and contributes around $29 billion in economic output annually.

As of today (10/3/24) 36 East and Gulf Coast have shut down and 45,000 union Dockworkers are on strike.

Because of the strike, people are panic buying toilet paper, paper towels, and bottled water not just in Louisiana, but all across the Gulf Coast and the U.S.

Is panic buying these products justified or is it creating a problem that otherwise wouldn’t exist as a result of the strike?

Dockworkers Strike Shuts Down Ports On Gulf And East Coasts

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

All of the panic buying of toilet paper, paper towels, and bottled water is absolutely not justified.

We do not import our toilet paper, paper products, or bottled water.

Dasani bottled water comes from Atlanta, Georgia and it’s transported by 10-wheeler across America.

Kentwood bottled water literally comes from Kentwood, Louisiana. No need for cargo ships to transport.

What about toilet paper?

From delawareonline.com –

“Roughly 99% of toilet paper Americans use is made in the United States. Kimberly-Clark, Proctor & Gamble and Georgia-Pacific make a majority of the toilet paper in the United States. Kimberly-Clark paper mill in nearby Chester, Pennsylvania, produced 60% of the entire Scott 1000 type of Scott toilet paper in 2022.”

Further more, panic buying these items is seriously beginning to impact aid efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Stop doing it.

So obviously the Dockworker strike has the potential to impact Louisiana, but what are we really looking at?

Dock Workers Threaten First Major Strike In Fifty Years

(Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

What Products Are Imported At The New Orleans Port?

The Port of NOLA is responsible for thousands of various products, but the main products being imported are –

Vehicles and Parts – The port imports vehicles and automotive parts, mainly from Asia and Europe. These imports support the automotive market in the U.S.

Rubber – Natural rubber from countries like Indonesia and Malaysia is a key import. It’s used for the production of tires, industrial goods, and consumer products.

Petroleum and Petroleum Products – Refined petroleum products, crude oil, and natural gas are major imports at the port. The energy industry in Louisiana, particularly refineries and petrochemical plants, heavily relies on these imports.

Chemicals and Fertilizers – Chemicals used in manufacturing and agriculture, including fertilizers, are significant imports at the port. These are often destined for use in the Midwest and other agricultural regions of the U.S.

Consumer Goods – The port handles a wide range of consumer goods in containers, including electronics, textiles, clothing, and furniture. These are often imported from countries like China, Vietnam, and other parts of Asia.

You’re not going to like this next one…

Coffee – New Orleans is one of the largest coffee-handling ports in the U.S. Coffee beans are imported primarily from Central and South American countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala.

You can read more about The Port of New Orleans over at bizneworleans.com.

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