Home . The Unexpected Side Effect: Could Tariff Hikes on Canadian Lumber Lead to a U.S. Toilet Paper Shortage?

The Unexpected Side Effect: Could Tariff Hikes on Canadian Lumber Lead to a U.S. Toilet Paper Shortage?

. al · April 1, 2025 · 0 Comment

A potential toilet paper shortage in the United States has emerged due to international trade policy changes. The crisis stems from President Donald Trump’s plan to increase tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, which could disrupt the production of northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBSK), a crucial raw material for toilet paper and paper towels ¹.

The proposed tariff hike, from 14% to potentially over 50%, may lead to reduced pulp supply, forcing paper mills to cut production. This could result in shortages and higher prices for consumers. The situation is further complicated by the intricacies of U.S.-Canada trade relations and the sensitivity of the market.

It’s worth noting that a similar situation occurred in 2024 when a port strike threatened to disrupt toilet paper supplies. The strike led to panic buying, empty shelves, and concerns over delayed shipments of eucalyptus pulp from Brazil, a key ingredient in American toilet paper production.

The situation highlights the complex and interconnected nature of global trade and its potential impact on everyday essentials. As the situation unfolds, consumers and manufacturers alike will be watching closely to see how the tariff changes affect the toilet paper market.

Toilet Paper Shortage: What You Need to Know

– Tariff Hike: President Donald Trump’s plan to increase tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber
– Impact on Production: Reduced supply of northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBSK) could force paper mills to cut production
– Potential Consequences: Shortages and higher prices for consumers
– Previous Incidents: 2024 port strike led to panic buying and concerns over toilet paper supplies