Gender-based pricing or “pink tax” has been quietly costing women more for basic goods and services.
From razors to deodorants, women routinely pay more for everyday items that are marketed specifically to them.
This phenomenon, often referred to as the “pink tax,” highlights the premium placed on products and services aimed at women—despite these products or services being similar or identical to those marketed towards men.
An explanation on pink tax
The “pink tax” isn’t a literal tax, but a pricing disparity rooted in how products are marketed, packaged, and perceived.
Whether it’s pastel-coloured razors, floral-scented shampoo, or ‘ladies’ versions of basic necessities, these gendered variations often come with inflated price tags.
The result? Women spend significantly more over their lifetime on personal care, clothing, and household items—even when those items serve the same function as cheaper male alternatives.
A South African example of pink tax
In South Africa, the “pink tax” is felt in various ways. Gender-specific pricing can be seen in personal grooming products, dry cleaning services, and even some healthcare essentials.
WATCH THIS VIDEO to see an example of the pricing disparities between men’s and women’s vitamins at a local pharmacy.
While local laws don’t explicitly allow gender-based pricing, market trends and product marketing often perpetuate this cost gap.
Trump’s trade war
Internationally, the issue takes on another dimension. In the U.S., for example, gender pricing has extended to import taxes, or what some call the “pink tariff.”
According to CNN, women’s clothing is taxed at higher rates than men’s under the country’s tariff system.
As a result, female consumers end up paying roughly $2 billion more each year.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping trade tariffs are said to be disrupting everything about the global trade order but the tariff policy that favours men over women.
“As he is instituting massive new tariffs, President Trump is missing a chance to tackle historically regressive and misogynistic traits of the global free trade system,” said Steve Lamar, President of the American Apparel & Footwear Association.
With Trump imposing a 10% tariff on most trading partners—and even steeper duties on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada—the financial burden on women could increase further.
In 2022, the average tariff rate on women’s clothing stood at 16.7%, compared to the 13.6% average for men’s apparel.
Where else have you noticed a gender-based pricing disparity?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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