The world's largest condom manufacturer has warned that prices could rise by up to 30% — and potentially more — as the ongoing conflict involving Iran sends shockwaves through global supply chains, pushing up production costs and stretching delivery times to record lengths.
Karex Bhd, a Malaysian company that produces more than five billion condoms annually and accounts for roughly one in five condoms made worldwide, says its manufacturing costs have risen by 25% to 30% since the war began in late February. The company supplies leading consumer brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as its own labels including ONE Condoms, and is a key partner to public health systems including the UK's National Health Service and United Nations aid programmes. CEO Goh Miah Kiat described the situation as