Stocking up on bathroom basics may soon hit Americans in the wallet. With the trade fight between the US and Canada escalating, both sides are slapping steep new tariffs on each other's goods—including the raw materials behind US-made toilet paper and tissues, reports the Guardian. Ottawa plans 25% to 50% tariffs on US paper products starting Sept. 8, mirroring Washington's 50% hike, even as the US leans heavily on Canada's lumber to keep Charmin and other brands rolling. The US tab for toilet paper imported from Canada in 2024 was $328 million, making Canada the US' biggest foreign source.
The clash stretches well beyond paper, notes MTLBlog. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian cars, steel, and most dairy; Canada has answered with tariffs on US dairy, cheese, fish, seafood, and toilet paper, plus new levies on American liquor in some provinces. US officials insist consumers won't feel much, but analysts warn the costs could pile up fast. MTLBlog has a complete list of the products affected here.