India: Market for Sanitary Towels, Tampons, Napkins and Diapers 2025

Market Size for Sanitary Towels, Tampons, Napkins and Diapers in India

The Indian sanitary towel and diaper market contracted markedly to $X in 2021, with a decrease of -16.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a prominent expansion. Sanitary towel and diaper consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell remarkably in the following year.

Production of Sanitary Towels, Tampons, Napkins and Diapers in India

In value terms, sanitary towel and diaper production contracted sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, continues to indicate a prominent expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the production volume increased by 53%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then declined significantly in the following year.

Exports of Sanitary Towels, Tampons, Napkins and Diapers

Exports from India

In 2021, approx. X tons of sanitary towels, tampons, napkins and diapers were exported from India; increasing by 41% on 2020. Over the period under review, exports enjoyed prominent growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 78%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sanitary towel and diaper exports soared to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 82% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Nepal (X tons) was the main destination for sanitary towel and diaper exports from India, with a 50% share of total exports. Moreover, sanitary towel and diaper exports to Nepal exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Bangladesh (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Bhutan (X tons), with a 6.5% share.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Nepal totaled +27.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Bangladesh (+25.0% per year) and Bhutan (+55.3% per year).

In value terms, Nepal ($X) remains the key foreign market for sanitary towels, tampons, napkins and diapers exports from India, comprising 50% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Bangladesh ($X), with a 7.6% share of total exports. It was followed by Bhutan, with a 6.6% share.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Nepal amounted to +28.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Bangladesh (+19.3% per year) and Bhutan (+66.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sanitary towel and diaper export price amounted to $X per ton, declining by -16% against the previous year. Overall, export price indicated a modest expansion from 2013 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +1.1% over the last eight-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, sanitary towel and diaper export price increased by +57.5% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when the average export price increased by 44%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then reduced remarkably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Maldives ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Vietnam (+8.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Sanitary Towels, Tampons, Napkins and Diapers

Imports into India

In 2021, imports of sanitary towels, tampons, napkins and diapers into India soared to X tons, rising by 38% on the previous year's figure. In general, imports enjoyed a buoyant expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 91%. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in the near future.

In value terms, sanitary towel and diaper imports soared to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when imports increased by 109% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

China (X tons), Indonesia (X tons) and Thailand (X tons) were the main suppliers of sanitary towel and diaper imports to India, together accounting for 66% of total imports. These countries were followed by Vietnam, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Poland and Japan, which together accounted for a further 27%.

From 2013 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Russia (with a CAGR of +467.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest sanitary towel and diaper suppliers to India were China ($X), Indonesia ($X) and Thailand ($X), with a combined 61% share of total imports. Vietnam, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Poland, Malaysia and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 31%.

Russia, with a CAGR of +656.5%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average sanitary towel and diaper import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 20% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced downturn. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the price for Malaysia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Russia (+33.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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