Trump attacks water-saving bathroom fixtures in new executive order

Even during Trump’s first presidency, he expressed his dissatisfaction with how water-saving products work worse than older models. He has claimed, among other things, that showers have too low pressure, toilets have to be flushed multiple times, and modern dishwashers use too little water to clean the dishes properly. This is in stark contrast to his broader line of “America First” and freedom of choice agenda that won him the presidency.

Although Trump has no direct authority to demand that Swedes also be allowed to choose their own shower heads, decisions made in the Western world’s largest economy – the United States – affect Swedes afterwards. There is a risk that the pace of innovation and the thinking around energy and water conservation will decrease if people are given the opportunity to choose for themselves – and choose non-water-saving products.

Uncertainty in the American market

Effect on product development. More small and new companies will have the opportunity to manufacture and sell cheaper and more interesting products that are not water-saving. It may also affect manufacturers who have already invested in water-saving technology.
Conflicts with existing environmental commitments. Companies that have already committed to investing in product development for water and energy-saving products may have to choose between their sustainability commitments or the potential benefits of deregulation.
Uncertainties about standards. Many bathroom products are designed to last for many years and are difficult to replace. Too many changes in different standards can be very problematic and create ripples in the water for homebuilders, plumbing companies and retailers.
The international market. Since Trump’s focus is diametrically opposed to the global trend, there is a great risk that markets will start to close. American showerheads without the right certification may not be allowed to be sold in the EU and EU water-saving nozzles will not meet any demand in the American market.

Has Trump created a tidal wave of energy liberalism that could wash over the rest of the world?

An ongoing trend in Sweden and the rest of the EU is that more and more companies have started to move their operations “home”, often as a result of increasing uncertainty in the world. Problems with both transport links and crises have led to many companies having difficulty delivering their sought-after products to customers. This also means that Swedish companies are gaining better control over their production lines and can adapt their goods to the domestic market in a way that was not as easy to achieve with factories in several different countries.

Therefore, it is uncertain what impact Trump’s potential policy changes may have on the Swedish market, at least in the short term. Swedish legislation and consumer trends have long been characterized by a drive for energy efficiency and resource conservation, which is reflected in both regulations and company strategies. Many Swedes see water and energy conservation as a natural part of sustainable development, and Swedish manufacturers of bathroom products have built a strong international reputation by combining innovation with environmental concerns.

With a “local” production, a desire to save water, and producers who solve the biggest problems with this type of product, it may be difficult to break this trend in Sweden.

The long-term development

In the long term, it remains to be seen whether deregulation in the US can create a global backlash or whether they instead lead to increased acceptance of less restrictive water and energy regulations. For the Swedish part, the trend towards sustainability and resource efficiency seems to remain strong, which suggests that the current standard will persist. However, economic and political changes in the world may affect the development of how we should relate to international trends.

2025-02-19 10:42