US Shoppers Urged Not to Panic Buy Toilet Paper Amid Canada Tariff Dispute

US consumers have been urged not to stockpile toilet paper as an escalating trade dispute with Canada raises concerns about potential price increases for household paper products.

The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), which represents US manufacturers of toilet paper and other paper products, said households should avoid panic buying despite the prospect of retaliatory Canadian tariffs affecting parts of the paper supply chain.

"It is important that families and households understand there is no need to panic buy," an AF&PA spokeswoman told dpa.

"US tissue supply chains are designed to be predictable and efficient, and sudden spikes in demand can place unnecessary strain on a system built to reliably meet normal household needs," she added.

Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs on a wide range of products from September 8 in response to US punitive tariffs. According to the Canadian government, the measures will affect products including kitchenware, packing materials, cosmetics, shampoos and certain toilet paper products, including 25% to 50% of toilet roll and paper products used in toilet roll.

The AF&PA said the tariffs could add uncertainty and costs for manufacturers, workers, customers and communities on both sides of the border. It also warned that escalating tariff disputes could disrupt cross-border supply chains used by mills and manufacturers.

A roll of toilet paper currently costs around $1 in the United States. US consumers were the highest users of toilet paper among countries surveyed by Statista in 2018, with average consumption estimated at 141 rolls per person annually.