A toilet paper shortage could be on the horizon in the U.S. as new trade tariffs begin to disrupt the flow of critical raw materials used in production.
Brazilian pulp supplier Suzano SA, the world’s top exporter of bleached hardwood pulp—a core component in toilet paper manufacturing—reported a 20% drop in shipments to the U.S. last month. The decline follows the implementation of 10% tariffs under President Trump’s latest trade measures, which have begun to strain global supply chains.
Adding to the pressure, the administration is considering a separate 27% tariff on Canadian softwood pulp, another key input for U.S. producers. Industry experts warn that such actions could severely limit access to essential resources, creating a supply crunch that mirrors the panic-buying frenzy seen during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For now, store shelves remain stocked, but manufacturers and retailers are bracing for possible disruptions. Economists caution that without alternative sourcing or tariff adjustments, consumers could soon see empty shelves and higher prices for basic household goods.
The White House has yet to issue a statement on the potential impact to toilet paper availability.