Period Product Prices Surge: Tariffs & Inflation Force Consumers to Seek Alternatives

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Consumers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are facing increasing financial strain as the cost of essential goods, including menstrual products, continues to rise. The average price of sanitary pads and tampons has increased nearly 40% since 2020, climbing from approximately $5.37 per unit to $7.43, according to February data from market research firm Circana.

While dollar sales of menstrual products have grown by almost 30% over the same period, actual sales volume has decreased by roughly 6% since 2022, falling incrementally each year, Circana data shows. This decline in sales coincides with a broader trend of rising prices across consumer packaged goods, with average unit prices increasing 2.7% year-to-date and personal care products experiencing a dramatic 22.1% jump in February 2025 compared to January 2020.

The rising costs are attributed to a combination of factors, including global inflation and increased tariffs. According to government data, the U.S. Collected $115 million in tariffs on menstrual products containing cotton in 2025, a significant increase from $42 million in 2020. The U.S. Primarily imports these products from Canada, China, and Mexico, all of which have been subject to tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump.

These tariffs add to the financial burden already faced by consumers due to the “pink tax,” where some states impose sales tax on menstrual products. Statista data from 2025 indicates that Tennessee, Mississippi, and Indiana have the highest sales tax rates on these items, at 7%. Products classified as “medical devices” are often exempt from such taxes.

The impact of these price increases is being felt acutely by individuals. Dafna Diamant, a resident of New York, noted that a pack of 18 tampons now costs around $25, a significant increase over the past year. “It’s crazy, and it just feels like as a woman, you have to pay sometimes $50 every couple months,” Diamant told CNBC. “And for some people, it takes a toll on the income.”

Major manufacturers are also acknowledging the financial pressures. Procter & Gamble, the parent company of Always, reported in July that it was raising prices on 25% of its personal care and household products due to a $1 billion annual tariff impact. The company manufactures Always products in facilities in Maine, Utah, and Canada. Kimberly-Clark, the maker of Kotex, stated on an April earnings call that it incurred $300 million in gross costs from tariffs, with over half related to tariffs on goods from China.

Analysts suggest that companies may be reevaluating their portfolios in response to these challenges. Clarkston Consulting partner Sarah Broyd noted a “triple whammy” of rising raw material costs, inflation, and tariffs impacting menstrual product prices. She added that companies may consider selling off their feminine care segments to focus on more profitable businesses, citing Edgewell Personal Care’s November sale of its feminine care business to a Swedish company for $340 million.

Consumers are increasingly turning to alternative solutions, such as reusable menstrual products. Companies like Saalt, which offers menstrual cups, discs, and underwear, report growing demand, particularly among younger consumers. Saalt CEO Cherie Hoeger estimates that 16% to 20% of U.S. Consumers have tried or use reusable menstrual products. A single cup or disc can last up to 10 years and cost around $30, potentially saving consumers up to $1,800 over its lifespan.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte recently visited Sarajevo on March 10, 2025, and pledged the alliance’s support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s federal government amidst separatist moves from Bosnian Serb leaders. Rutte emphasized the importance of upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement and warned against actions that could undermine the country’s stability, and security. NATO reaffirmed its commitment to Bosnia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as outlined in the Dayton agreement, and stated it would not allow a security vacuum to develop in the region.