Brazil’s top pulp exporter, Suzano SA, has warned that US president Donald Trump’s new tariffs are disrupting shipments of a key material used in making toilet paper. The Brazilian company reported that its exports of bleached hardwood pulp to the US dropped by 20% in April compared to the same time last year. This type of pulp is a key ingredient in toilet paper and other hygiene products used across American households. “In response to the tariffs, we’ve had to pass increased costs on to US buyers,” said Suzano CEO João Alberto de Abreu to Bloomberg News. Brazil, along with many other countries—excluding China—now faces a 10% tariff on exports to the US. The situation brings back memories of the 2020 pandemic panic, when shelves were cleared of essentials, including toilet paper. While products remain available for now, suppliers warn that a slight disruption could cause another rush. Apollo Global Management has also raised alarms. Its chief economist predicts that Trump’s broader tariff policies—especially against Chinese goods—could trigger empty shelves, layoffs, and even a recession by summer 2025. As Suzano continues to adapt, the company warns that pulp isn’t just another raw material—it’s essential. If trade tensions escalate, American consumers could feel the consequences.
