The U.S. could face a toilet paper shortage. President Donald Trump’s plan to raise tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber may unintentionally disrupt production of toilet paper, according to Bloomberg News.
The administration wants to increase duties on Canadian lumber to 27%, and possibly over 50% later. This could impact the supply of northern bleached softwood kraft pulp (NBSK), a key material used in toilet paper and paper towels.
Industry experts say higher import taxes may force some sawmills to close, reducing the amount of wood chips available to make pulp. With less pulp, manufacturers may have to temporarily shut down or cut production. Since the market is so tightly balanced, this could lead to shortages similar to those seen during the pandemic—and possibly higher prices.
Trump is set to announce new “reciprocal” tariffs on foreign goods on April 2. This is the same day delayed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products are expected to start. He has already added a 25% tariff on all imported cars, trucks, and auto parts—even those made by U.S. companies in Canada per Quartz.
Tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, now at 14%, are expected to rise to nearly 27%. With the new 25% tariff on most Canadian goods, the total tax could reach about 52%. A possible national security review could push it even higher.
Replacing the 2 million tons of pulp the U.S. gets from Canada each year won’t be easy. This pulp makes up most of the U.S. supply, and many American paper mills are designed to use pulp from specific Canadian plants, making it hard to switch sources.
