A new warning from Brazilian pulp exporter Suzano SA has raised concerns about the potential for toilet paper shortages and price hikes in the United States. While store shelves currently remain well stocked, the company reports that ongoing supply chain disruptions and new U.S. tariffs are already affecting shipments.
Suzano SA, the world’s largest exporter of pulp – a key raw material in toilet paper manufacturing – said it experienced a 20% decrease in shipments to the U.S. in April. The company’s leadership told Bloomberg News that the added costs from tariffs are now being passed on to American buyers and could soon be reflected in consumer prices.
The U.S. has imposed a tariff of at least 10% on Brazilian imports, with steel facing a 25% tariff. These measures are part of broader trade policies that have impacted several sectors, including consumer goods.
Oh how shitty!
The situation has drawn comparisons to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when panic buying led to empty shelves and a 102% increase in toilet paper sales over the previous year. While no similar shortages have been reported yet, supply chain experts are monitoring the situation closely.
Suzano CEO João Alberto de Abreu confirmed that export levies have already caused a decline in shipments and said the company is adjusting prices accordingly.
For now, officials advise consumers not to panic but to be aware that rising costs for manufacturers could lead to higher prices at the checkout in the coming months.
Written by Thomas Smith and published on NewsBreak ~ May 13, 2025
