Global Condom Prices May Skyrocket 30 Due to Iran War, Warns World’s Leading Producer

April 22, 2026 Editorial Team
Malaysia's Karex Bhd, the world's top condom producer, plans to increase prices by 20% to 30% due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Iran war.
Rising freight costs and shipping delays have led to a surge in condom demand, putting additional pressure on companies like Durex and Trojan.

Updated: April 22, 2026

Karex Bhd, a leading condom manufacturer in Malaysia and the world, is anticipating a significant price hike for its products due to the ongoing Iran war. The company plans to increase prices by 20% to 30%, and potentially even more, should supply chain disruptions continue. This alarming projection comes from the company’s chief executive, Goh Miah Kiat, who spoke to Reuters in an exclusive interview. As the world’s top condom producer, Malaysia’s Karex supplies over 5 billion condoms annually. These are distributed to leading brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Currently, the company is witnessing a sharp increase in condom demand due to rising freight costs and shipping delays. Many customers have reported lower stockpiles than usual, which has put a strain on their supply chains. In response to this growing demand, Karex is working to boost its production capacity but faces significant challenges in the process.

The Iran war’s ongoing economic impact has affected various industries worldwide. As international trade and commerce continue to be disrupted, global supply chains are expected to feel the effects for a considerable amount of time to come. This is particularly evident in the condom industry, where companies are struggling to maintain adequate stock levels.

Despite these challenges, Goh Miah Kiat emphasized that the 20% to 30% price increase is only a potential estimate. The final impact will depend on the duration and intensity of the disruption caused by the Iran war. However, the projected price hike highlights the ongoing strain being felt by global supply chains.

The surge in demand and potential price increase pose significant concerns for consumers worldwide. As one of the world’s leading condom manufacturers, Karex plays a vital role in the supply chain. A disruption to its operations would likely have a ripple effect, impacting various industries and communities.

Karex’s decision to raise prices reflects the growing strain being felt by global supply chains. As trade disruptions persist, companies will continue to face challenges in maintaining adequate stock levels and meeting demand.

With many factors at play, it remains to be seen how global condom prices will be affected in the long term. However, one thing is clear: the ongoing Iran war is placing significant pressure on supply chains worldwide.

AI Insight:

The Iran war's economic impact on global supply chains is multifaceted and far-reaching. The anticipated price hike of global condoms due to supply chain disruptions reflects the vulnerability of international trade and commerce. Companies like Karex will likely feel the pinch, and consumers may need to adapt to a new reality of higher prices and potentially decreased availability.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new information becomes available.

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