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The USA Is Facing An Impending Boba Shortage That Could Last Months

Photo: Rosalind Chang // Unsplash

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A massive backlog on cargo shipping imports is leading to a shortage of boba across the United States.

This is because 99% of the country's boba is imported from Taiwan, and there's only one in-country producer of the tapioca pearls. That company is US Boba Co, and even they are going to experience issues since they import their tapioca starch from overseas.

The backlog on shipping imports has been going on since February, with over 30 ships being stuck waiting to deliver goods daily in major ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach. It had already begun to start affecting supply chains for many companies, but is just now starting to take hold on the boba industry.

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According to Marketwatch, this is a shortage that could potentially last months, meaning boba shops nationwide will struggle to have boba available to add into their drinks.

That won't mean they're not going to keep serving amazing tasting beverages, however, so feel free to keep heading over and getting some teas or other drinks to cool down over the summer months. You may just not be able to get boba added, but shops often have other things you can add inside, like jellies, that might offer an alternative.