A new wave of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Canadian softwood lumber could leave American consumers scrambling for basic necessities, including toilet paper. With the United States heavily reliant on Canada for a significant portion of its paper products, industry experts warn that the impact of these tariffs could be felt in households across the country.
The administration is reportedly preparing to almost double existing duties on Canadian softwood lumber, raising them to 27%, with the possibility of additional penalties that could drive the total tariff rate beyond 50%. These drastic increases are expected to cause widespread disruption in the supply chain for paper goods, of which Canada is the leading foreign supplier.
“Americans might soon find bare supermarket shelves where toilet paper used to be,” said one logistics analyst. “This is not just about lumber for construction—softwood pulp is a key ingredient in manufacturing tissue products like toilet paper and serviettes.”
The implications of such tariffs extend beyond the bathroom aisle. With softwood lumber and pulp used in the production of a range of paper-based items, and with Canada also a key supplier of basic textiles and agricultural goods, American consumers are likely to see prices surge on a variety of everyday essentials. Items as simple as socks, T-shirts, and packaged foods could see their prices double, adding to inflationary pressures already burdening low- and middle-income households.
Retailers, already grappling with supply chain challenges and fluctuating consumer demand, now face the additional uncertainty of navigating a volatile trade policy landscape. The North American retail industry, deeply interlinked through years of cross-border trade between Canada and the United States, may find it difficult to adapt quickly to such sudden and sweeping changes.
While the Trump administration defends the move as necessary to protect American forestry jobs and industries, critics argue that the real cost will be borne by consumers. “Tariffs may serve short-term political interests,” said one trade economist, “but the longer-term effect is reduced availability and higher prices for everyone.”
As the 2025 presidential race heats up, these tariffs may become a key issue, particularly if supply shortages and inflation become more pronounced. For now, American households may need to brace for higher costs—and, in some cases, the uncomfortable possibility of doing without products they have long taken for granted.
