Condom prices could rise 30% due to Iran war, says world’s top producer Karex

Malaysia’s Karex Bhd, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, has announced plans to increase prices by 20% to 30% due to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran. Karex, which produces over 5 billion condoms annually and supplies major brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as national health services like the UK’s NHS, cited rising costs for raw materials and logistics as key drivers behind the price hike. The company’s CEO, Goh Miah Kiat, warned that prices could rise further if the conflict continues to impact global supply chains. The Iran war, which began in late February, has disrupted energy and petrochemical supplies critical to manufacturing industries worldwide. Karex has experienced increased costs for synthetic rubber, nitrile, packaging materials, and lubricants, all essential components in condom production. Additionally, the conflict has led to longer shipping times, with deliveries to Europe and the United States now taking nearly two months, double the previous duration. These delays have contributed to significant stock shortages, particularly in developing countries reliant on timely shipments. Demand for condoms has surged by approximately 30% this year, partly due to reduced foreign aid spending on family planning programs, which has depleted global stockpiles. Karex is working to ramp up production to meet this growing demand but faces challenges from elevated freight costs and supply bottlenecks. The company highlighted that many condoms remain stranded on vessels, exacerbating shortages in regions where access to contraception is critical. The potential price increase comes amid broader concerns about the impact of geopolitical tensions on global health supplies. As the Iran conflict continues to strain raw material availability and logistics networks, essential products like condoms and medical gloves face rising costs and distribution challenges, which could affect public health initiatives worldwide.