Global condom prices are set to surge after Malaysia-based Karex Berhad, the world’s largest producer, announced plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply chain disruptions linked to the Iran war.
Karex, which manufactures more than five billion condoms annually for major brands such as Durex and Trojan, said rising costs of raw materials and logistics have made the increase unavoidable.
The company also supplies essential stock to public health systems, including Britain’s NHS, and supports United Nations-backed aid programmes worldwide.
Chief Executive Officer Goh Miah said the conflict, which escalated in late February, has driven up the cost of key inputs such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminium foil and silicone oil.
“The situation is fragile and costs are rising across the board. We have no choice but to pass these increases on to customers,” he said.
Shipping delays have worsened the situation. Deliveries to Europe and the United States now take nearly two months, double the previous timeframe, leaving many buyers with depleted inventories.
Karex is also experiencing a spike in demand, as distributors rush to secure stock amid freight uncertainty.
Goh warned that developing countries are particularly vulnerable, with limited reserves and slower resupply timelines.
Despite the challenges, the company said it has sufficient stock for the coming months and is working to increase production to meet global demand.
Karex joins a growing list of manufacturers, including medical glove producers, grappling with supply chain bottlenecks triggered by the ongoing conflict.
