Karex Bhd, the world's top condom producer, plans to raise condom prices by 20% to 30% [1].
The price hike reflects how geopolitical instability in the Middle East can disrupt global health product supply chains. As the largest manufacturer in the sector, Karex's pricing shifts likely signal broader inflationary pressures for sexual health products worldwide.
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the company announced the price adjustments on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 [1]. The company produces about five billion condoms per year [2].
Company officials linked the decision to the ongoing Iran war, which has strained the supply chain through higher raw-material costs, rising freight charges, and shipping delays [1], [2]. These factors have created a volatile environment for logistics and procurement.
While the company continues to secure the necessary materials to maintain production, the cost of those inputs has surged. "We are still able to get supply. However, prices have already doubled," a Karex spokesperson said [2].
The company's scale means these disruptions are felt across multiple global markets. The combination of increased shipping costs and raw-material spikes has left the manufacturer with few options other than passing costs to consumers [1].
“Karex Bhd plans to raise condom prices by 20% to 30%.”
This development illustrates the 'butterfly effect' of the Iran war, where military conflict in one region triggers price increases for essential health goods globally. Because Karex dominates the global market share, these price hikes may lead to reduced accessibility of contraceptives in low-income regions, potentially impacting public health outcomes.
