Trinidad and Tobago’s female sanitary supply affected by China–US trade conflict

Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

According to a report by the media outlet News Day, due to the trade conflict between the United States and the People’s Republic of China—which has led to high tariffs on products from the Asian country—the availability and supply of feminine hygiene products has been limited in Trinidad and Tobago.

In response to this situation, the main local distributors of these products in the Caribbean country have raised their voices and urged the government to intervene in order to find a solution. For example, the company Women’s Haven, based in the Cayman Islands and responsible for distributing these products to several nations in the region, stated that its only option will be to increase the prices of several of its products.

Symantha Taylor, head of the TT distributor, compared the situation to what was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, explaining that during that time, the company absorbed the additional costs. However, she said that in this case, the only alternative will be to pass the price increase on to consumers. She noted that the increases could range between 10% and 20%, although it has not yet been determined whether this will apply to all products.

Taylor also expressed concern about the possibility that the company may have to suspend the distribution of some products in order to maintain inventory stability. Additionally, she warned that the trade conflict may increase the vulnerability of the Caribbean region due to its dependence on these trade routes—particularly because they rely on a single transit route through the United States.

The head of the TT distributor called on Caribbean governments to take measures that support importers of essential products such as feminine sanitary supplies. She indicated that companies that cannot produce locally would be the most affected. She also suggested that tariffs on these products be eliminated, in order to support both importers and consumers, and emphasized that many girls and women cannot do without these supplies. She stressed the need to build less dependent and more developed economies in the country and the region.

It is worth noting that menstrual products such as liners, menstrual cups, pads, and tampons are not subject to VAT but are still required to pay import duties.

In regard to the tariffs, which amount to around 125%, Women’s Haven stated: “These increases have significantly impacted the cost of importing goods, especially for companies based in the Caribbean that rely on the United States as the main transit point for cargo and supplies.”

However, with recent announcements from Washington, it was confirmed that tariff rates increased even further, reaching a total of 145%: 10% on February 4, 20% in March, and finally an additional 125% starting April 9.

On the other hand, the People’s Republic of China, through a book published by the Information Office of the State Council, titled China’s Position on the China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultations, addressed the issue of U.S. protectionism.

In that document, the Chinese government stated that since 2018, the United States has imposed tariffs on Chinese products valued at over 500 billion dollars, and with the new 145% tariffs, that figure will continue to rise. It also noted that these measures will severely affect investment and multilateral trade, leading to higher prices for the end consumer.

However, some technological products such as computers, smartphones, and tablets will not be subject to the new tariffs, meaning companies in this sector will not be affected.

In response to the new tariff rate imposed by the United States on Chinese products, the People’s Republic of China raised its own tariffs on products from the country led by Donald Trump by 125%, starting April 12 of this year.

According to statements from the Chinese government, these actions by the United States violate the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), in addition to undermining multilateralism and the basic norms of market economies.

Last but not least, this trade conflict is expected to create problems in foreign trade for various nations within the international system, affecting both end consumers and distributing companies due to the increase in prices.

Main Source:

US-China tariff shock affects feminine sanitary supplies in Trinidad and Tobago – Newsday

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