Rising Costs of Menstrual Products: The Impact of Tariffs and Inflation

The cost of menstrual products in the United States has surged significantly over recent years, with prices climbing nearly 40 percent since 2020. The average price for these essential items, including tampons and sanitary pads, has increased from approximately $5.37 to $7.43 per unit. This rise in cost is attributed to several factors, including inflation, volatility in raw material prices, and tariffs imposed on imported goods.

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Menstrual products are heavily reliant on commodities such as cotton, pulp, and plastics, which have seen price fluctuations exacerbated by COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions. Additionally, the United States imports a substantial portion of its menstrual products from countries like Canada, China, and Mexico. Consequently, many cotton-based menstrual products are subject to tariffs established during the Trump administration. In 2025, the U.S. collected $115 million in tariff revenue on these products, a significant increase from $42 million in 2020.

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Market research indicates that while dollar sales of menstrual products have risen by nearly 30 percent since 2020, the number of units sold has decreased by about 6 percent since 2022. This trend suggests that consumers are either purchasing fewer products or opting for less expensive alternatives as prices continue to rise.

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The combination of escalating prices and declining sales has raised serious concerns regarding the affordability and accessibility of menstrual products. Personal-care inflation has outpaced overall inflation, with prices for personal-care items increasing by more than 20 percent since 2020. Sarah Broyd, a consultant, noted that many consumers are facing difficult choices, often prioritizing basic necessities like food and prescriptions over menstrual care. This has led some individuals to stretch their supplies longer or seek alternatives.

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The surge in menstrual product prices has reignited discussions about the taxation of these essential goods. As of 2025, over 20 states continue to impose sales tax on menstrual products, categorizing them similarly to nonessential items. In response, Democrats introduced the Pink Tariffs Study Act in 2024, which aims to investigate whether the U.S. tariff system disproportionately impacts products primarily used by women. Although the bill was referred to committee in March 2025, it has yet to progress further.

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• “I do think that we're at a point where consumers in general are having to choose whether they can buy food for their family or buy prescriptions for their family. Some things that we do typically define as a necessity, people are finding alternatives for or going without.” — Sarah Broyd, Consultant

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While the increase in prices and the impact of tariffs are well-documented, there is a lack of consensus on the long-term implications for consumer behavior and the effectiveness of proposed legislative measures. The status of the Pink Tariffs Study Act remains uncertain, with no clear timeline for advancement.

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The rising costs of menstrual products highlight ongoing challenges related to affordability and access, prompting renewed scrutiny of tax policies and trade practices affecting essential goods.

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