New tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on a range of Canadian goods, including paper products, could soon make toilet paper and paper towels more expensive for U.S. consumers. The tariffs, which took effect last weekend following a collapse in trade talks, target Canadian "toilet or facial tissue stock"—large rolls and sheets used by U.S. converters to produce finished consumer products.
According to Ronalds Gonzalez, a professor specializing in the economics and supply chains of pulp, paper, and hygiene-tissue products at North Carolina State University, the 50% tariff on Canadian fiber could increase costs for U.S. toilet paper manufacturers by as much as 11%. He explained that approximately 15% of the long fiber used in bath tissue production is sourced from Canada. The price of this raw material is projected to rise by about $735 per ton.
Paper towels, which utilize more of the Canadian long fiber than toilet paper, could see an even more significant cost increase, potentially rising by 31%, Gonzalez stated. While manufacturers may absorb some of these added costs due to the highly competitive U.S. market, consumers could begin to feel the impact within approximately two months, as tissue manufacturers typically maintain 45 to 60 days of inventory.
As an alternative to higher costs, companies could switch to long fiber produced from pine in the southeastern U.S. However, Gonzalez cautioned that this might result in a decrease in product quality, with toilet paper potentially becoming "not as soft."
If manufacturers pass on the full cost of the tariffed materials, a 12-pack of Charmin Ultra could increase from around $12.99 to $14.50, and a 12-pack of Brawny paper towels might rise from $19.97 to approximately $26.
The tariffs are part of an escalating trade dispute between the U.S. and Canada that has affected various sectors, including autos, dairy, and liquor. The U.S. imported about $140 million worth of tissue stock from Canada in 2023, representing roughly a quarter of U.S. imports in this category. The U.S. also imported approximately $328 million worth of finished toilet paper from Canada in 2024.
In response, Canada has announced retaliatory tariffs of 25% to 50% on U.S. goods, including toilet and facial tissue stock, set to begin September 8. The White House has not yet commented on the matter.