Trump's Trade War With Canada Triggers Toilet Paper Fears

A potential toilet paper shortage looms over the United States due to President Donald Trump's trade war with Canada. The tariffs on Canadian imports are set to make costs skyrocket for consumers, who rely heavily on their northern neighbor for toilet paper.

The situation bears a striking resemblance to the Great Toilet Paper Panic of 2020, when supply chain disruptions led to shortages and prices skyrocketed. At that time, people bartered face masks and hand sanitizer for precious rolls, while criminals attempted daring heists.

However, according to Anne Kim, author of the piece in MS NOW, Canada's contribution to the US toilet paper supply is not as large as one might expect, providing only 5 percent of the product used in the country. The Canadian wood pulp supply used by American companies has also been exempted from tariffs.

Kim argues that the situation is more like a symbol of consumer confidence amid Trump's turbulent economy. She notes that the resonance with the 2020 shortages might lead anxious consumers to recall some of the worst moments of Trump's past economic performance.