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

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

In 2021, the Uruguayan sanitary towel and diaper market was finally on the rise to reach $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a three-year declining trend. Overall, the total consumption indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +9.1% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -29.2% against 2017 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

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

In value terms, sanitary towel and diaper production rose sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production continues to indicate a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the production volume increased by 159% against the previous year. Sanitary towel and diaper production peaked at $X in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Sanitary Towels, Tampons, Napkins and Diapers

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, the amount of sanitary towels, tampons, napkins and diapers exported from Uruguay contracted markedly to X tons, with a decrease of -17.3% on the previous year's figure. In general, exports continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 239% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, sanitary towel and diaper exports fell to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a abrupt setback. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 244%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Argentina (X tons) was the main destination for sanitary towel and diaper exports from Uruguay, accounting for a 64% share of total exports. Moreover, sanitary towel and diaper exports to Argentina exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Brazil (X tons), twofold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Argentina totaled +4.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (-13.4% per year) and Chile (-17.0% per year).

In value terms, Argentina ($X) remains the key foreign market for sanitary towels, tampons, napkins and diapers exports from Uruguay, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Brazil ($X), with a 24% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Argentina amounted to +4.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (-13.7% per year) and Chile (-18.2% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sanitary towel and diaper export price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 6.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major foreign markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Argentina ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Argentina (+0.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Sanitary Towels, Tampons, Napkins and Diapers

Imports into Uruguay

In 2021, supplies from abroad of sanitary towels, tampons, napkins and diapers decreased by -3.7% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. Overall, imports saw a slight reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 17% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sanitary towel and diaper imports rose markedly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports continue to indicate a pronounced reduction. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 19%. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Argentina (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Chile (X tons) were the main suppliers of sanitary towel and diaper imports to Uruguay, together comprising 78% of total imports. These countries were followed by China, Mexico, Spain and Peru, which together accounted for a further 15%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for China (with a CAGR of +34.6%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Argentina ($X), Brazil ($X) and China ($X) constituted the largest sanitary towel and diaper suppliers to Uruguay, with a combined 77% share of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, China, with a CAGR of +31.5%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, 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, with an increase of 9.1% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight descent. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 China ($X per ton), while the price for Chile ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (-0.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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