On April 22, 2026, Karex, the world’s largest condom manufacturer based in Malaysia, announced it may require to raise prices by 20 to 30 percent if ongoing disruptions to global supply chains due to the conflict involving Iran persist. The company cited rising production costs and shipping delays as key factors behind the potential increase. Karex produces over five billion condoms annually and supplies major brands such as Durex and Trojan, as well as public health systems including the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and organizations like the UN Population Fund and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The warning follows escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has threatened to target commercial vessels in response to U.S. And Israeli military actions. These threats have led to significant disruptions in global oil and cargo shipping, indirectly affecting the transport of raw materials used in condom manufacturing. Goh Miah Kiat, Karex’s chief executive, told Reuters that the situation remains fragile and that passing on increased costs to customers is currently unavoidable.
The company emphasized that demand for condoms has risen amid the supply chain strain, as customers attempt to replenish depleted inventories due to delayed shipments. This imbalance between supply and demand has further contributed to upward pressure on prices. Karex exports to more than 130 countries worldwide, making its pricing decisions potentially influential on global access to contraceptive products.
While the conflict’s direct impact on condom production may seem indirect, analysts note that the reliance on globalized manufacturing and just-in-time supply chains leaves even healthcare commodities vulnerable to geopolitical shocks. The situation underscores how regional conflicts can ripple through international trade networks, affecting not only energy and food supplies but as well essential medical and preventive health goods.
As of the date of this report, no official timeline has been provided for when supply chain conditions might improve. Industry observers continue to monitor developments in the region, particularly any de-escalation in maritime tensions that could ease shipping constraints. For updates on global health supply chains, readers may refer to advisories from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Population Fund.
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