Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Trade War With Canada Could Raise US Toilet Paper Prices
The United States and Canada are arguing about trade, which means they are charging each other extra fees on goods.
Canada plans to put new fees on many American products starting September 8.
Some paper products, including toilet paper, will be affected.
The United States also placed high fees on Canadian goods.
Even toilet paper made in America can use Canadian wood pulp.
This could make it more expensive for companies to produce paper products.
Companies might pass those extra costs to shoppers.
US officials say higher prices are not guaranteed, but the trade fight is creating uncertainty.
Canada will impose 25% to 50% tariffs on nearly 900 US products starting September 8.
The tariffs include toilet paper, facial tissue stock, paper towels, and napkins.
US toilet paper manufacturers rely heavily on Canadian raw materials, especially wood pulp.
The US imported about $328 million worth of toilet paper from Canada in 2024.
Businesses warn higher input costs could reach consumers, while US officials say tariffs will not necessarily raise prices.
- Who
- The governments of the United States and Canada, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, are involved.
- What
- The countries are imposing retaliatory tariffs that affect paper products and materials used to make them.
- When
- Canada's new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on September 8.
- Where
- The dispute affects trade across the United States and Canada.
- Why
- The measures followed the breakdown of trade negotiations and new US tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods.
US Officials
Businesses and Consumer Concerns
Effect on household prices
US Officials
US officials argue that tariffs will not necessarily translate into higher consumer prices.
Businesses and Consumer Concerns
Businesses and other observers warn that higher input and import costs could eventually be passed on to consumers.
Impact of trade barriers
US Officials
The US tariff measures are presented as part of the trade dispute and do not guarantee price increases.
Businesses and Consumer Concerns
Businesses face increased costs and supply-chain adjustments because the North American paper industry is closely integrated.
- Canadian retaliatory tariffs
- Between 25% and 50% on nearly 900 American products.
- Effective date
- September 8.
- US tariffs on Canadian goods
- The United States imposed 50% tariffs on a range of Canadian goods.
- US toilet paper imports from Canada
- About $328 million in 2024.
- Affected paper products
- Toilet paper, facial tissue stock, paper towels, and napkins.
- Key raw material
- US paper manufacturers rely heavily on Canadian wood pulp.
- Additional US tariff threat
- The United States has threatened further tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts.