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🇦🇹 Austria /Economy & Trade

US Trade Dispute Could Raise Toilet Paper Prices, Officials Warn

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News From a news agency Ongoing story
  • A U.S. industry group urged consumers to avoid panic buying of toilet paper amid fears of price increases due to a trade dispute with Canada.
  • Canada plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on various products, including toilet paper and paper products, starting September 8.
  • The U.S. association warned that escalating trade tensions could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for manufacturers and consumers on both sides of the border.

Amid an escalating trade dispute between the United States and Canada, American consumers are being advised against panic buying toilet paper, as retaliatory tariffs threaten to drive up prices. The Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (AF&PA) stressed that there is "no reason for panic purchases."

It is important that families and households understand that there is no reason for panic purchases.

— AF&PA spokespersonAdvising consumers against panic buying toilet paper due to potential price increases.

"Sudden demand spikes can unnecessarily strain a system designed to reliably meet normal household needs," an AF&PA spokesperson stated. The warning comes as Canada prepares to implement counter-tariffs on a wide range of products starting September 8, in response to U.S. punitive tariffs. According to Canadian government figures, these counter-tariffs will include 25 to 50 percent on toilet paper and other paper products.

Sudden demand spikes can unnecessarily strain a system designed to reliably meet normal household needs.

— AF&PA spokespersonExplaining the potential negative impact of panic buying on supply chains.

The AF&PA has expressed concern that these escalating tariff disputes will "disrupt the cross-border supply chains that allow mills and manufacturers to invest, remain competitive, and deliver vital products people rely on daily." The association highlighted that such actions "risk increasing uncertainty and costs for manufacturers, workers, customers, and communities on both sides of the border."

risk increasing uncertainty and costs for manufacturers, workers, customers, and communities on both sides of the border.

— AF&PAWarning about the broader economic consequences of escalating trade disputes.

Americans are known for their high consumption of toilet paper. Statistics from 2018 indicated an average annual consumption of 141 rolls per person, exceeding that of other surveyed countries. Currently, a roll costs about one dollar in the U.S. The potential price hikes, driven by trade tensions, could impact household budgets for this essential item.

disrupt the cross-border supply chains that allow mills and manufacturers to invest, remain competitive, and deliver vital products people rely on daily.

— AF&PADetailing how trade disputes negatively affect essential supply chains.
About this summary

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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