Is there a toilet paper shortage in the U.S.? Will toilet paper be affected by port strike? Shoppers are asking this question again as headlines spotlight tariffs and strikes affecting the supply chain. Here’s the current nationwide status, why supply questions have surged in 2024–2025, and what you can do today to avoid stress and overspending.
Quick Answer: Is There a Toilet Paper Shortage Right Now?
Is there a toilet paper shortage in the U.S.? The direct answer is no, there is not a nationwide toilet paper shortage in the United States as of August 2025. Major retailers and supermarket store shelves remain stocked. What you might see are localized, short-term outages and higher prices. These issues are linked to recent port standoffs and new tariffs on imported materials.
Here’s a quick summary of the situation:
- Domestic Resilience: The vast majority—about 85%—of all U.S. toilet paper demand is met by domestic factories. In other words, most toilet paper is made in the U.S., reducing reliance on imports, according to the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). This strong domestic production base protects the country from widespread, empty-shelf events.
- Recent Disruptions: The 2024 East and Gulf Coast port strike and 2025 pulp tariff talks caused some brief port strike shortages and panic buying, according to researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU), who analyzed the port strike’s impact on toilet paper supply chains. While this led to temporary empty shelves in certain cities, it did not create a national crisis.
- What You’ll See: The main effects on the average shopper are rising prices and occasional gaps for specific brands or package sizes, particularly those affected by the port strike, but not a complete lack of toilet paper.
U.S. Toilet Paper Shortage Risk Index (2025)
To help consumers understand "Is there a toilet paper shortage in the U.S.?", this index evaluates port activity, shipping trends, and retail inventory levels.
Northeast: Moderate Risk
The Northeast faces a moderate risk of toilet paper shortages. This region is heavily affected by East Coast port congestion and relies on trucking and rail for supply. High population density means that any disruption or panic buying could quickly clear store shelves.
Southeast & Gulf Coast: Moderate Risk
The Southeast and Gulf Coast also have a moderate risk. Recent strikes at East and Gulf Coast ports have caused temporary shipping backlogs. Additionally, hurricane season can put extra stress on local supply chains, increasing the chance of short-term shortages.
Midwest: Low Risk
The Midwest enjoys a low risk of shortages. Its supply is largely insulated from coastal port disruptions, relying on a strong network of trucks and rail from domestic mills. Stores in this region generally maintain steady availability.
West Coast: Low to Moderate Risk
The West Coast faces a low to moderate risk. While it is not directly affected by East and Gulf Coast port strikes, its supply chains are interconnected with national networks, so major disruptions elsewhere could have ripple effects. Local ports also have their own labor considerations that could impact supply.
Simplified Risk Summary Table
| Region | Risk Level | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Moderate | East Coast port congestion, high population density. |
| Southeast / Gulf | Moderate | Port strikes, hurricane season threats. |
| Midwest | Low | Stable domestic supply via truck/rail. |
| West Coast | Low–Moderate | Interconnected supply chain risks, local labor issues. |
Methodology: This index is based on public reports from industry associations, news articles on port congestion, and social media monitoring for reports of toilet paper shortages. It is updated to reflect major supply chain events.
What’s Fueling Shortage Concerns in 2024–2025
Have the headlines about a toilet paper shortage port strike given you bad memories of 2020? A few key events are behind the recent surge in questions.
- The 2024 East and Gulf Coast Port Strike: In late 2024, the threat of a major strike at ports run by the International Longshoremen's Association triggered concerns. CBS News reported some panic buying toilet paper as shoppers worried if toilet paper will be affected by the port strike news. However, the paper association quickly reassured consumers. They stated that manufacturers were already using trains and trucks to ship products from domestic factories, bypassing the congested ports.
- 2025 Pulp Tariffs: More recently, news about tariffs on imported wood pulp created a new wave of worry. Pulp is the raw material used to make soft, high-quality toilet paper. The world's largest pulp export company, a Brazilian firm, warned that U.S. tariffs caused it to reduce its April 2025 shipments to the USA Today by about 20%. This has led to warnings of higher prices and potential supply tightness, but it has not stopped production.
The combination of these events, amplified by social media, brought back the fear of empty store shelves seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How the Supply Chain Works: Domestic Production vs. Imports
People always wonder: Do we import toilet paper or where does the US get its toilet paper? Understanding this is key to seeing why a complete shortage is unlikely.
The U.S. supply chain is strong. As the American Forest & Paper Association states, about 85% of toilet paper and paper towels used in the U.S. are also made domestically. We are not heavily reliant on finished rolls from other countries. Major producers have factories located across the United States that run 24/7.
So, what about imports? The main vulnerability comes from pulp. While we produce a lot of our own pulp, some specialty types used for premium, ultra-soft tissues are imported. When a port strike or tariffs disrupt ocean imports, it can affect the cost and availability of these specific pulp grades.
Here’s what that means for you:
- Resilience: The U.S. can make plenty of toilet paper. A strike could slow down the delivery of some premium products but is unlikely to stop the flow of standard rolls.
- Import Impact: The main effect of an import disruption is on cost. When imported pulp gets more expensive, manufacturers pass those higher prices on to consumers. It is more of a price issue than a supply issue.
- Pandemic Lessons: Since the COVID-19 crisis, manufacturers and retailers like Walmart and Costco have improved their systems. They now hold more inventory at their warehouse locations and have backup transportation plans ready.
How Long Could Shortages or Price Hikes Last?
The duration of any supply problem depends on the cause. Here are a few possible timelines.
- Short-Term (Days to a Week): Brief, localized outages are often caused by a sudden spike in panic buying in one city. Once the initial rush is over, stores can typically restock their shelves within a few days as the next truck arrives from the factory.
- Medium-Term (Weeks to Months): This is the most likely scenario from the current tariff and port issues. We could see several months of higher prices and sporadic gaps on shelves. For instance, your favorite brand might be out of stock for a week, but the store will still have other options. This could lead to temporary frustration but not a lack of toilet paper.
- Long-Term (Many Months): A sustained, nationwide shortage is highly unlikely. It would require a "perfect storm" of new, major disruptions happening all at once, combined with widespread, long-term toilet paper hoarding. Given the strength of domestic factories, this is not expected.
The key variables are how long tariffs remain, the stability of port operations, and whether shoppers remain calm.
Where Are Outages or Price Increases Happening?
Disruptions are not felt equally across the United States.
Geographic Hot Spots: During the 2024 port strike, urban centers along the East Coast and Gulf were the most affected. Cities like New York, Savannah, and Houston saw more temporary shortages of toilet paper because of their proximity to the ports. Inland areas were less affected.
Retail Channel Comparison:
| Retail Channel | Availability & Replenishment |
| Warehouse Clubs | Carry large pack sizes that sell out quickly during panic buying. May impose purchase limits first. Replenishment can be less frequent, leading to visible empty shelves for a few days. |
| Supermarkets | Offer the widest variety of brands. They get more frequent deliveries, so they can often restock faster. They might run out of a popular brand but will likely have a store-brand alternative. |
| Drugstores & Dollar Stores | Focus on smaller pack sizes. Their inventory turns over fast, and they can experience brief outages but are often a good place to find supply when larger stores are hit. |
| Online Retailers | Availability can fluctuate rapidly. Prices may be higher due to demand. Shipping times can be delayed during periods of high anixety. |
Brand Variations: During times of price spikes, value and private-label brands tend to sell out faster as shoppers look for savings. Premium, multi-ply brands that rely more on imported pulp may see more price increases or temporary gaps in availability.
What to Expect for Toilet Paper Prices
The biggest and most certain impact on your wallet will be higher prices. The cost of wood pulp, the main ingredient, has been rising due to supply chain frictions. When a major export company like the one reported by Bloomberg News reduces shipments, it creates more competition for the remaining supply, pushing prices up.
Think of it like this:
- Tariffs and shipping delays make imported pulp more expensive for paper manufacturers.
- These manufacturers, like Kimberly-Clark and Georgia-Pacific, pass that extra cost on to retailers.
- The retailer then adjusts the shelf price, and the consumer pays more.
Global and domestic trends in toilet paper production and consumption provide context for supply concerns, based on Statista data on worldwide toilet paper market trends. The price increases of 2024-2025 are different from the 2020 spike. In 2020, the price jumps were driven by massive, sudden demand. Today, they are driven by rising costs on the supply side.
Tip for Shoppers: To save money, compare the "price per sheet" or "price per 100 sheets" listed on the shelf tag. Sometimes a larger pack isn't actually a better deal. Being flexible and willing to switch brands can also lead to significant savings.
What Should Shoppers Do?
The most important advice from industry experts and retailers is simple: do not panic buy. Widespread toilet paper hoarding is what turns a minor logistical hiccup into a real shortage.
So, how much should you buy? The goal is to have a reasonable buffer, not a stockpile that fills your garage.
Responsible Buying Guide (2-4 Week Buffer):
| Household Size | Recommended Amount to Keep on Hand |
| 1-2 People | One 12-pack of "mega" rolls or one 18-pack of regular rolls. |
| 3-4 People | One 18-pack of "mega" rolls or one 24-pack of regular rolls. |
| 5+ People | One 24-pack of "mega" rolls or one 36-pack of regular rolls. |
This amount ensures you won’t run out if your local store has a temporary gap, but it leaves plenty on the shelves for your neighbors. Being flexible is also smart. If your go-to brand is gone, try the store brand or a recycled-content option.
Alternatives and Substitution Strategies
What happens if you go to the store and face a lack of availability? Having a backup plan can reduce stress.
- Bidets and Washlets: These devices, which use water to clean, are becoming more popular. While there's an upfront cost, they drastically reduce or even eliminate the need for toilet paper. They are hygienic, environmentally friendly, and protect you from any future shortage.
- Flushable Wipes: Use these with extreme caution. While they are marketed as an alternative, many "flushable" wipes do not break down and can cause serious plumbing and septic system blockages. If you must use them, dispose of them in the trash, not the toilet.
- Facial Tissues and Paper Towels: Never flush these items. They are designed to be strong and absorbent and will not dissolve in water. Flushing them is a sure way to clog your pipes. They can be used as a last resort but must go into a wastebasket.
- Recycled and Bamboo Options: These eco-friendly alternatives are often produced through different supply chains. During disruptions focused on premium virgin pulp, these options may have better availability.
Myths vs. Facts About Toilet Paper Shortages
Toilet paper shortages often spark rumors and misunderstandings. Here, we clarify some common myths with facts based on current industry data.
Myth 1: "All our toilet paper is imported from China."
Fact: This is false. About 85% of toilet paper sold in the U.S. is manufactured domestically. The main reliance on imports is for raw materials, like pulp used in specialty products—not the finished rolls themselves.
Myth 2: "One empty shelf at the store means a national crisis is starting."
Fact: Not true. An empty shelf is usually a local issue, caused by a late delivery, a local sale, or a brief burst of panic buying. The supply chain is designed to refill these gaps within a day or two.
Myth 3: "Higher prices mean products are about to disappear."
Fact: Price increases do not automatically signal an imminent shortage. Current price hikes mostly reflect rising production and shipping costs due to tariffs and logistics challenges. While higher prices can indicate some supply tightness, they don’t necessarily mean a widespread shortage is coming.
Myth 4: "The 2024–2025 situation is just like the COVID-19 pandemic."
Fact: False. The 2020 shortage occurred because of a sudden, unprecedented surge in at-home demand. Today’s challenges are largely predictable supply-side pressures that the industry has had time to anticipate and manage.
Expert Insights and Key Sources to Watch
If you want to stay informed, it's best to follow reliable sources rather than viral social media posts. Here are the economists and organizations to watch:
- American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA): The main trade group for paper manufacturers. Their public statements provide an accurate, high-level view of the industry's health and capacity.
- Retailer Announcements: Pay attention to what major retailers say in their quarterly earnings calls or official press releases. They are on the front lines and will be the first to announce purchase limits or other changes.
- Pulp Exporter News: Reports from major pulp producers, often covered by financial news outlets like Bloomberg News, are a leading indicator of future price trends.
- Logistics and Shipping News: Updates on port operations and trucking capacity can help you understand if supply is moving smoothly.
Watching these sources will give you a clearer picture than any single anecdote about an empty store shelf.
Conclusion: What’s the Outlook?
The bottom line is clear: there is no sustained, nationwide toilet paper shortage. The U.S. has a strong domestic manufacturing base that is working around the clock.
What you should expect going forward is a period of stable but more expensive supply. The pressures from global shipping and tariffs will likely keep prices elevated. You may also encounter brief, local outages, especially if a news event triggers another round of panic buying. However, the industry is more prepared now than ever before. The memory of 2020 taught valuable lessons, leading to better inventory management and more flexible logistics.
The smart path forward is to stay calm, buy what you need for a few weeks, and be flexible with your brand choices. Your actions can help ensure the shelves stay stocked for everyone.
FAQs on Toilet Paper Supply in 2025
1. Why is there a shortage of toilet paper again?
There isn't really a nationwide shortage of toilet paper right now, but there are some factors that give the illusion of a toilet paper shortage. People are worried about two main things. One is that the effects of the 2024 port strike are still being felt. Many people are afraid that there will be delays in the transportation of goods along the East Coast and Gulf Coast. Most of the supply chain has adjusted, but some places still have slow deliveries from time to time. The second is that imported pulp is a lot more expensive with the new tariffs in 2025. Pulp is a key material for making toilet paper. Because of this, both production costs and retail prices have gone up. Some consumers thought “it's always good to have it on hand” and started buying it in bulk, with the result that shelves in some areas may be temporarily empty. In most parts of the country, though, manufacturers and retailers emphasize that production has been steady and distribution networks are functioning normally. It's not that supply is really collapsing at all right now, it's just that price adjustments, shipping times, and consumer buying behavior are causing localized fluctuations in supply. So even if you see empty shelves at one or two stores, don't panic too much - these vacancies are usually filled quickly.
2. Do I need to stock up on toilet paper because of the port strike?
There's really no need for a mad rush for toilet paper just because the ports are on strike. The industry organizations and the big manufacturers have made it clear that when port operations were affected, they quickly switched to rail and long-haul trucks, other modes of transportation, to make sure that the product could circulate properly. These alternate methods of transportation prevented a major supply problem, and production never stopped, and output was as steady as it could be. The smartest thing to do is to stock up at home, usually enough for two to four weeks, so that you have enough for your daily needs and don't worry if your delivery is a little late. Buying too much will not only strain the store's inventory and cause artificial shortages, but will also take up space in your home that is already scarce. At the end of the day, the whole supply system can handle it, so there's no need to buy more than you reasonably need.
3. Will there be a shortage of toilet paper because of the strike?
The odds are that a nationwide shortage of toilet paper will not happen. The U.S. produces roughly 85% of its own toilet paper domestically, which suggests that most of the supply is actually not very dependent on imports. The port strike did slow down transportation temporarily, especially for imports and some specialty paper products, but domestic production lines didn't stop at all. The lack of goods on the shelves is often due to slower deliveries in the short term, or consumers wanting to stock up for peace of mind, not really out of stock. Manufacturers have also said that production momentum is now very good, the distribution network is also well adjusted, railroads, trucks and other modes of transportation have been shipping goods. So even if you occasionally see your local store out of stock, don't worry, this situation will not last long, and will soon be replenished, it is not at all like the country is going to run out of stock.
4. Should we stock up on toilet paper?
Don't stockpile toilet paper, it's really not necessary. Massive hoarding is exactly one of the main causes of artificial shortages. Too many people buy far more toilet paper than they actually use, and suddenly there's an empty section on the store shelves, which would never happen under normal buying conditions. It's a good idea to keep a reasonable amount at home, usually enough for 2 to 4 weeks of daily use. This way you can cope with minor hiccups, such as bad weather or temporary delays in delivery, without putting an unnecessary burden on the supply chain. Manufacturers and merchants emphasize that production is stable and there is no sign of a nationwide shortage. By buying only the amount they really need, people can help keep store stocks stable, so that everyone in the community can buy the essentials without getting caught up in a panic rush.
5. What do I do when there is no toilet paper?
If your neighborhood store is temporarily out of toilet paper, look elsewhere. Stores like drugstores, warehouse stores, dollar stores, or small supermarkets in your neighborhood often have stock when the big supermarkets are out of stock. You can also look at less popular options like rolls made from recycled materials or not name brand, which work just as well, just sometimes overlooked by other buyers. If you want to be prepared for the long haul, consider fitting a bidet or bidet accessory, which can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for toilet paper altogether. In a pinch, Kleenex, kitchen paper towels, or napkins can make do, but these have to be thrown in the trash when you're done, and never flushed down the toilet or they'll tend to clog the pipes. Having more flexible options can help you cope with short-term shortages without wasting or damaging pipes.
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