Karex Bhd, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, has announced plans to increase prices by between 20 and 30 percent due to rising production and shipping costs.
The company said ongoing supply chain disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East have placed heavy pressure on raw material sourcing and global logistics.
Chief Executive Goh Miah Kiat said the company may implement further increases if current disruptions continue.
According to him, Karex has no option but to pass part of the added costs to customers.
Karex produces more than five billion condoms annually and supplies major international brands, including Durex and Trojan.
The company also provides products to public health systems such as the United Kingdom’s National Health Service and global programmes supported by the United Nations.
Officials said demand has also surged this year, with usage increasing by around 30 percent.
The increase was linked to reduced global stockpiles and funding cuts affecting international health programmes.
Karex said shortages of key production materials such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminium foil, and silicone oil have worsened supply challenges.
Shipping delays have also grown significantly, with deliveries to Europe and the United States reportedly taking nearly two months instead of the usual one month.
The company warned that shortages may hit developing countries harder because of slower supply chains and weaker stock reserves.
Although Karex said it currently has enough materials for the next few months, it cautioned that prolonged disruption could continue to affect global availability and pricing.
