Siloless: WHI 360° | March 04, 2025
Unseen Consequences: The Effect of Tariffs on Women's Health and Finances
The impact of tariffs on healthcare expenditures is an area that warrants closer examination, particularly regarding women's health. Increasing import duties have the potential to significantly raise the costs of essential healthcare items, such as contraceptives and hormone therapies.
In the United States, the pharmaceuticals sector may experience the most considerable effects of tariffs, especially due to the industry's reliance on China for specific chemicals required in the production of generic medications. Additionally, costs for behavioral health medications, such as those for anxiety and depression, could also increase. This situation is particularly concerning as women face a higher burden of mental health conditions throughout their lives.
Another important area of impact relates to the hospital supply chain. Increases in costs—or reductions in the availability—of common medical supplies, such as syringes and anesthesia instruments, could adversely affect the ability to conduct surgeries, including those related to childbirth (such as Caesarean sections) and breast or ovarian cancer care.
On a personal level, women often encounter higher out-of-pocket healthcare costs compared to their male counterparts. A key concept related to import tariffs is the 'pink tax,' which refers to the price differences in products and services that are primarily utilized by women. Typically, women pay more for similar products, including toiletries, apparel, and healthcare items, which are often subject to higher import taxes.
For example, in the U.S., women's apparel is subject to an average import tax of 16.7%, while men's clothing incurs a tax of 13.6%. Women also tend to pay about 7% more for essential products and services as a whole—including feminine hygiene products. Consequently, the pink tax can adversely impact women's finances, rendering even basic necessities less accessible and affordable.
Moreover, tariffs can also affect agricultural products. Research published by the World Bank indicates that "highly taxed agricultural products, such as staple foods, affect women more because they spend a substantial share of their income on feeding their families."
It is evident that tariffs frequently have hidden or under-appreciated effects on women's health and economic empowerment. Further research is essential to better understand the economic and health impacts of high-tariff regimes, as governments worldwide reshape their tariff and trade strategies in response to a rapidly changing global economic environment.
Additional Resources
- Here's how Trump's tariffs on China could impact drug pricing and other healthcare costs, Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trumps-tariffs-china-impact-drug-pricing-other-healthcare-costs
- Equal rights, unequal import tariffs: how women pay the price, World Bank, https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/developmenttalk/equal-rights-unequal-import-tariffs-how-women-pay-price
- How Trump’s trade fight could impact the medtech industry, MedTech Dive, https://www.medtechdive.com/news/Tariffs-Trump-impact-medical-devices-manufacturing/739906/
InnovationHub Insights
Below are reports, audio briefings, and other insights that were published to the Femalytics InnovationHub recently. 'All Access' insights are available to all Femalytics members.
All other content is part of the Femalytics Insights Collections, which is available to premium members with the following membership levels: Venturer, Explorer, and Enterprise.
Insights: All Access
Title: Tech, Aging and Perimenopause
So What: This research offers a unique exploration of the technology, health, and wellness interests of women aged 40 to 45, the oldest Millennials, by leveraging unpublished data on over 50 topics. It provides invaluable real-world insights that are specifically tailored to this demographic, enriching the understanding of their distinct preferences and challenges in an evolving landscape.
Date Published: 12/29/2023
Topics: Healthy Aging, Technology trends, Women's health innovation
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Title: Understanding Health Needs and Preferences of Asian-American Women
So What: This research provides critical insights into the specific health and product needs of Asian American women aged 40 and over, filling a gap in understanding a demographic often overlooked in both health studies and product development. By highlighting the unique experiences and preferences of this group, the study offers valuable, actionable data that can inform targeted health initiatives and marketing strategies tailored to their distinct needs.
Date Published: 12/29/2023
Topics: Healthy Aging, Technology trends, Women's health innovation
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Title: FemAging 2023: A Healthtech Report
So What: The FemAging 2023 HealthTech report offers a distinctive analysis of the wellness and technology preferences of women aged 40 and above, providing invaluable insights into their unique needs and desires in health products. Supplemented by expansive data across over 50 untapped topics, this report delivers a comprehensive understanding that is unparalleled in its depth and specificity, making it essential for stakeholders aiming to address this demographic's health and wellness landscape effectively.
Date Published: 12/29/2023
Topics: Fashion, Menopause and hormonal health, Technology trends, Women's health innovation
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Insights: Venturer Members and Above
Title: The Growing Influence of 3D Printing Tech on Medicine, Pharma and Women's Health
So What: This summary highlights how 3D printing is transforming healthcare through personalized solutions, particularly in women's health with customized implants and prosthetics, offering vital insights into the tangible benefits of tailored medical applications that enhance patient outcomes. It underscores the potential of this technology in creating hyper-personalized therapies, a perspective crucial for understanding its far-reaching implications in improving healthcare delivery and patient experiences.
Date Published: 03/04/2025
Topics: Pharmaceuticals, Technology trends
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Title: Expanding Remote Care: The Evolution of Telehealth Innovations in Women's Health
So What: This report provides an in-depth analysis of transformative telehealth innovations that are revolutionizing women's health management, anticipating the women's digital health market to reach USD 12.9 billion by 2032. It highlights the critical role of personalized telehealth solutions, empowered by femtech and advanced technologies such as AI, in enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality, while addressing persistent challenges such as the digital divide and affordability to ensure inclusivity for all women.
Date Published: 03/04/2025
Topics: Artificial intelligence, Menopause and hormonal health, Technology trends
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Title: Supporting Female Athletes: The Impact of Wellness Apps on Performance and Well-Being
So What: This report provides a unique exploration of wellness apps tailored specifically for female athletes, showcasing innovations in fitness technology, nutrition, and mental health that address their distinct health needs. By analyzing the impact of apps like FitrWoman and Status Strong, alongside the influence of fitness influencers, the report offers valuable insights into the future of female athlete wellness, emphasizing the critical importance of personalized approaches and psychological support in enhancing athletic performance.
Date Published: 03/04/2025
Topics: Mental health, Nutrition, Technology trends, Women's health innovation
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Title: Empowering Women's Health: The Role of AI Agents in Healthcare Innovation
So What: This report highlights the transformative potential of AI agents in women's health management, examining their key applications and innovations, such as the Healthcare AI Agent App Store by Hippocratic AI, which enables the development of customized solutions for women's health issues. By improving patient engagement, streamlining healthcare operations, and addressing unique health challenges faced by women, AI agents offer significant benefits while also raising important ethical considerations that must be addressed to ensure equitable healthcare integration.
Date Published: 02/13/2025
Topics: Artificial intelligence, Mental health, Pharmaceuticals, Sexual health
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Title: Report - Beyond Chatbots: The Rise of Agentic AI
So What: This report uniquely charts the transition from generative AI to agentic AI, offering an in-depth examination of the principles, use cases, and implications of AI operating autonomously across various domains, particularly in healthcare. It provides timely predictions for the future landscape of agentic AI, contributing valuable insights for understanding its transformative potential in real-world applications.
Date Published: 02/13/2025
Topics: Artificial intelligence
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