London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Friday, Jul 04, 2025

World May Face Another Toilet Paper Shortage, Industry Boss Says

World May Face Another Toilet Paper Shortage, Industry Boss Says

Toilet paper has become something of a precious commodity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, almost a currency in its own right. Scientists say this is a reaction to long-term quarantine rules, as the wipe stockpiles are thought by some behaviourists to give people a sense of control over their surroundings.
The shortage of transport containers may result in a toilet paper deficit, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing Walter Schalka, CEO for Suzano SA, the biggest supplier of raw materials for bath tissue.

The company that produces wood pulp and transports it on freighters known as break bulk said that a global shortage of maritime tankers that started some months ago was caused by significant demand for a certain type of steel-ribbed containers made in China.

Schalka expressed concern that transition disruptions may continue through April while the company faces a serious risk of less export. He added that this would be another challenge as the global pandemic sparked an unprecedented bath tissue demand throughout the world.

The global spike in demand for the containers was triggered by China some months ago due to a significant increase in online trade, The Daily Mail reported. Beijing, considered a world export leader, benefited from easing coronavirus restrictions earlier than other countries.

This situation was compounded as container manufactures limited production, expecting a coronavirus-related decline in global trade, according to Simon MacAdam, a senior global economist at Capital Economics, cited by the Daily Mail.

MacAdam noted that container charts, to date, have increased in price by 250 percent since January 2020, and he predicts a further increase. The slowdown in the global transport system have impacted supplies of other goods, including coffee and cheese.

Amid the global pandemic, many countries have experienced a surge in demand for basic necessities, including hygiene products, disinfectants and toilet paper. Grocery shelves were earlier emptied by frightened customers who caused panic and scuffles.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
Poland Implements Border Checks Amid Growing Migration Tensions
Political Dispute Escalates Between Trump and Musk
Emirates Airline Expands Market Share with New $20 Million Campaign
Amazon Reaches Milestone with Deployment of One Millionth Robot
US Senate Votes to Remove AI Regulation Moratorium from Domestic Policy Bill
Yulia Putintseva Calls for Spectator Ejection at Wimbledon Over Safety Concerns
Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Yield Partial Verdict in Serious Criminal Charges
House Oversight Committee Subpoenas Former Jill Biden Aide Amid Investigation into Alleged Concealment of President Biden's Cognitive Health
King Charles Plans Significant Role for Prince Harry in Coronation
Two Chinese Nationals Arrested for Espionage Activities Against U.S. Navy
Amazon Reaches Major Automation Milestone with Over One Million Robots
Extreme Heat Wave Sweeps Across Europe, Hitting Record Temperatures
Meta Announces Formation of Ambitious AI Unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
×