Supply Chain Disruptions
A tampon shortage often begins with supply chain problems. Raw material delays, transportation bottlenecks, and factory slowdowns can limit production capacity. When key inputs or shipping routes are interrupted, inventory drops faster than it can be replenished.
Surge in Demand
Demand spikes can quickly strain supply. Seasonal changes, unexpected weather, or public health concerns sometimes drive higher purchases. Retailers may not have enough stock on hand when buying surges occur, leading to empty shelves.
Production and Distribution Limits
Limited production lines and concentrated manufacturing can worsen shortages. A few large facilities may supply most of the market, so any downtime or recall affects availability. Distribution networks can also struggle to move products quickly to all regions.
For more on supply chain factors, see Investopedia – Supply Chain.
