The Iran battle’s hidden casualty
3 min learnApr 24, 2026 10:14 PM IST
The world’s largest condom producer, Karex, has introduced plans to extend costs of its merchandise by as much as 30 per cent, citing mounting strain from uncooked materials shortages and provide chain disruptions linked to the continued Iran battle.
The Malaysia-based firm, which produces about 5 billion condoms yearly, mentioned a pointy rise in enter prices, international delivery disruptions and better freight charges have made the value revision unavoidable.
In keeping with Karex chief government Goh Miah Kiat, the battle has considerably impacted the supply and pricing of key supplies utilized in condom manufacturing.
“Some uncooked materials costs have elevated by 100 per cent. Now we have no alternative however to make changes now,” Goh mentioned in an interview with The New York Instances.
The disruption has been exacerbated by the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international delivery route. This has pushed up oil and fuel costs, in flip affecting the price of supplies corresponding to nitrile and artificial rubbersilicone oil, packaging inputs and aluminum foil.
Danger of manufacturing disruptions and job losses
Karex, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of world condom manufacturing, depends on greater than 100 chemical compounds and uncooked supplies sourced from throughout Asia and Europe. Goh warned that even a scarcity of a single part might disrupt manufacturing operations.
“If the battle persists, a scarcity of even one merchandise might ripple by way of factories and produce manufacturing to a halt,” he mentioned, including that jobs is also in danger if disruptions proceed.
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The corporate employs round 3,000 folks throughout its manufacturing amenities in Malaysia and Thailand.
Karex provides main worldwide manufacturers corresponding to Durex and Trojan, and likewise produces its personal “One” model, which retails at about 9 ringgit (over $2) for a pack of three in Malaysia, the NYT reported.
The corporate has traditionally performed a key position in supplying condoms for government-backed AIDS prevention and household planning applications. Nonetheless, that section noticed a decline final 12 months following funding cuts by the administration of Donald Trump to the US Company for Worldwide Growth.
Regardless of these challenges, Goh mentioned demand for condoms has risen this 12 months, significantly in growing international locations. He additionally warned of potential panic shopping for if the battle continues and provide constraints worsen.
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“Everybody hopes that this ends quick and swiftly,” he informed the NYT.
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