The Digest:
Karex Berhad, the world's top condom producer, plans to raise prices by 20 to 30 percent due to supply chain disruptions caused by the Iran war. The Malaysian-based company produces over five billion condoms annually and supplies leading brands like Durex and Trojan, as well as the British NHS and UN aid programmes. CEO Goh Miah said raw material costs, including synthetic rubber, nitrile, packaging, and lubricants, have all increased since the conflict began in late February.
Key Points:
- Shipping delays have extended delivery times to almost two months.
- Many developing countries have low stockpiles due to supply bottlenecks.
- The company has enough supplies for the next few months.
- Karex is looking to boost output to meet growing demand.
- The condom maker joins a growing list of companies facing supply chain strain.
Higher condom prices may impact family planning and disease prevention programmes globally.
Sources: The Cable, Vanguard
