Trump's tariffs threaten toilet paper supplies in America

In the United States, recent actions taken by President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on Canadian imports have raised concerns over potential shortages of toilet paper. This situation is compounded by warnings from timber and pulp experts who suggest that panic buying in supermarkets could occur, similar to the early days of the pandemic. Trump has proposed tariffs, including a staggering 27 percent levy on lumber imported from Canada, which would lead to an increase in the cost of essential wood pulp used in the manufacturing of toilet paper. Brian McClay, an industry expert at BMA, mentioned that major brands rely heavily on a specific type of softwood pulp sourced from Canadian mills, which they have used consistently for the past three decades. The demand for this type of pulp is deeply rooted in the production processes of these brands, making a sudden shift to alternative suppliers difficult. Additionally, pulp production is directly linked to wood chips from sawmills, which are essential for creating the final product. If lumber prices continue to climb due to tariffs, the entire supply chain of toilet paper could face disruption, leading to possible product shortages. Consumers are likely to respond by stockpiling toilet paper in anticipation of shortages, reminiscent of the widespread panic buying seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such behaviors could exacerbate the situation, creating a vicious cycle of demand and supply that affects availability across grocery stores nationwide.