Trump’s tariffs have disrupted crucial pulp shipments, raising concerns about potential toilet paper shortages in the US.
President Donald Trump’s trade war is causing concerns among global paper suppliers.
It has the potential to lead to a toilet paper shortage in the US.
The global trade tensions have sparked fears of rising prices and supply chain disruptions.
These issues are particularly affecting the pulp used to make toilet paper.
Toilet paper shortage could be coming to the US
Suzano SA, the world’s largest exporter of pulp, is sounding the alarm.
Additionally, the Brazilian company reported a 20% drop in exports to the US in April, compared to last year.
João Alberto de Abreu, CEO of Suzano, explained that the US tariffs are forcing the company to raise prices on US-bound pulp shipments.
The Brazilian company produces the bleached hardwood pulp used in many American toilet paper brands.
The ongoing effects of Trump’s tariffs on global trade
The tariffs, currently at 10%, are pushing up prices and affecting trade, especially for basic commodities like toilet paper.
Suzano warned that the disruption could worsen.
He claimed that Trump’s tarriff could be affected to the US toilet paper market and other essential hygiene products.
These rising costs and uncertainty around the tariffs have already begun to hurt the company’s stock performance.
Additionally, Suzano’s shares dropped by 4.3% on the São Paulo exchange. This made the lowest intraday level since June.
Though store shelves are still stocked, analysts warn that panic buying could quickly destabilize the supply chain once again.
The 2020 toilet paper shortage still lingers in consumers’ minds. Many remember the stress caused by the pandemic.
If trade tensions escalate, the risk of further instability in paper supply chains remains high.
This is especially true if US buyers stockpile in anticipation of disruptions.
The larger impact of Trump’s trade policies on everyday products
The US tariff war, originally focused on high-tech and luxury goods, is now disrupting basic commodities like pulp.
As Brazil becomes a central point in this trade dispute, US consumers could feel the impact in their daily lives, particularly in the bathroom.
Leonardo Grimaldi, an executive at Suzano, stated that the entire pulp industry is entering a period of instability. This is due to the uncertain tariffs.
“Pulp isn’t just another commodity,” Abreu said. “It’s at the heart of some of the most essential products we use every day.”
Beyond toilet paper, experts are warning that the ongoing tariff dispute could lead to broader economic issues.
Apollo Global Management has predicted empty store shelves by mid-May if Trump’s tariffs continue to escalate.
The disruption of Chinese shipments could trigger widespread shortages, retail slowdowns, and job layoffs in sectors like trucking and retail.
Economist Torsten Slok predicts that by summer 2025, the US economy could enter a recession due to these trade disruptions
The toilet paper shortage may be on the horizon due to Trump’s tariffs disrupting essential paper shipments.
While the trade war was initially focused on tech goods, its ripple effects now extend to everyday products, including toilet paper.
If tariffs continue, US consumers may face higher prices and possible shortages once again, mirroring the pandemic-era crisis.
