Malaysia-based Karex Berhad, the world’s largest producer of condoms, has announced plans to increase prices by between 20 and 30 percent following supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The company, which manufactures over five billion condoms annually for major brands such as Durex and Trojan, also supplies public health systems including the National Health Service and United Nations-backed programmes.
Chief Executive Officer, Goh Miah Kiat, said rising costs of key production inputs have forced the company’s hand.
“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive. We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” he said.
According to him, the conflict has driven up the cost of materials such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminium foils, and silicone oil, all of which are essential in condom production.
He added that global logistics challenges have compounded the problem, with shipping times to markets in Europe and the United States nearly doubling—from about one month to close to two months.
“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” he said.
The CEO noted that delays have led to reduced stock levels, particularly in developing countries, where supply chains are more vulnerable.
Despite the challenges, Karex said it currently has sufficient inventory for the coming months and is working to ramp up production to meet growing demand.
The company’s move reflects a broader trend, as manufacturers across sectors—including medical supplies—grapple with disruptions in raw material sourcing and global shipping triggered by the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The New Daily Prime reported United States President, Donald Trump, has alleged that Iran breached a temporary ceasefire multiple times as uncertainty deepens over renewed peace negotiations between both countries.
The US leader made the claim on Tuesday via his Truth Social platform, warning that the fragile truce—expected to expire soon—may collapse without progress in talks.
“Iran has Violated the Cease Fire numerous times!” he said, without providing details.
Diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations have faltered after Tehran indicated it had not sent any delegation for the proposed talks in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Iranian state television dismissed earlier reports suggesting otherwise, stating, “So far, no delegation from Iran has departed for Islamabad, Pakistan.”
The planned meeting was expected to follow an earlier round of discussions held in the Pakistani capital, which ended without a breakthrough.
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