The world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex Bhd, has announced plans to increase prices by between 20 and 30 per cent, citing ongoing global supply chain disruptions linked to tensions surrounding the Iran conflict.
Chief Executive Officer Goh Miah Kiat said the company may implement further price hikes if the situation persists, noting that rising costs of raw materials and logistics are putting significant pressure on operations. He explained that the company has little choice but to pass on the increased costs to customers as market conditions remain unstable.
Karex, which produces more than five billion condoms annually, supplies major global brands such as Durex and Trojan. It also provides products to public health systems, including the National Health Service and programmes supported by the United Nations.
The company is simultaneously experiencing a surge in demand, with usage increasing by about 30 per cent this year. Goh attributed the spike to dwindling global stockpiles, worsened by cuts in foreign aid funding, particularly from the United States Agency for International Development.
Supply challenges have intensified since the escalation of tensions involving Iran in late February, affecting access to critical production materials such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminium foil and silicone oil.
Shipping delays have further compounded the situation, with delivery timelines to markets in Europe and the United States stretching from roughly one month to nearly two months. According to the company, many shipments remain stuck in transit despite urgent demand.
Goh noted that shortages are more severe in developing countries, where slower supply chains are already under strain. He added that while Karex currently has enough materials to sustain production for the next few months, prolonged disruptions could continue to affect both availability and pricing across global markets.