Tampon shortage affects many U.S. retailers, consumers

U.S. Tampon Shortage Overview:

• Who: Consumers face a nationwide tampon shortage.
• Why: A variety of factors contribute to the tampon shortage, including labor shortages, rising prices for fuel and raw materials and supply chain issues.
• Where: The tampon shortage currently affects the United States.

Americans can now add a tampon shortage to the growing list of challenges they face this year.

The U.S. tampon shortage is reportedly related to several global problems, including rising prices for fuel and raw materials, labor shortages and supply chain issues, according to The Washington Post.

As a result, many U.S. consumers are having problems finding menstrual products in stores and pharmacies. Prices for menstrual products have also risen steeply in recent months, just as historic inflation forces families to pay more for fuel, groceries and other necessities.

Although menstrual products are essential for a significant portion of the U.S. population, they are not exempt from taxes in most states. No federal assistance is available to purchase menstrual products, the Post reports.

Karyn Boosin Leit, board president of the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges in New Jersey, tells The Washington Post that she has had “clients come up to me in tears saying that they are menstruating as we speak and is there anything I could do to please help them.”

The Interfaith Food Pantry reportedly feeds about 600 households each week and distributes menstrual products twice per month.

Leit tells the Post menstrual products should be far more accessible. 

“When they’re not, it stops people from going about their day,” she says.

Menstrual product makers blame labor shortages, inventory issues, fuel, materials costs for tampon shortage

Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Tampax tampons and other menstrual products, says consumers may struggle to find their preferred brand of menstrual products in U.S. stores.

“We understand it is frustrating for consumers when they can’t find what they need,” P&G said in a statement. “We assure you this is a temporary situation in the U.S., and the Tampax team is producing tampons 25/7 to meet the increased demand for our products.”

Edgewell, which makes Playtex, o.b., Carefree, and Stayfree brand menstrual products, tells AFG it faced inventory issues in the wake of two COVID-19 outbreaks at a U.S. plant and a Canadian supplier in recent months.

Additionally, there is reportedly a shortage of raw materials including plastic and cotton that may contribute to the issue. The cost for transporting consumer products is also an issue due to fuel prices, labor shortages, port congestion and shipping delays.

Menstrual cups and washable pads are reusable alternatives to disposable tampons and pads that consumers affected by the tampon shortage may consider.

Have you or a loved one been affected by the tampon shortage? Tell us about it in the comments below!

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