Karex Raises Condom Prices Amid Iran War Disruptions

TL;DR

Karex Price Hike: Malaysian condom maker Karex is raising product prices by up to 30 percent due to raw material shortages from the Iran war.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/world/middleeast/karex-condom-price-increase-iran-war.html)
Five Billion Units: Karex produces about five billion condoms yearly, accounting for one-fifth of global supply, using over 100 chemicals and materials.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/world/middleeast/karex-condom-price-increase-iran-war.html)
Supply Chain Risk: Prolonged war could halt production, threaten 3,000 jobs, and spark consumer panic buying if shortages hit.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/world/middleeast/karex-condom-price-increase-iran-war.html)

The story at a glance

Karex, the world's largest condom manufacturer based in Malaysia, is increasing prices by up to 30 percent because of supply chain disruptions from the Iran war, including the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Chief executive Goh Miah Kiat warned that some raw material costs have doubled, forcing the change to avoid production halts. The story is reported now amid ongoing war impacts on global shipping and petrochemical supplies since late February 2026.

Key points

Karex produces about five billion condoms annually and supplies brands like Durex and Trojan.
The company employs around 3,000 workers in factories in Malaysia and Thailand, sourcing materials from Asia and Europe.
De facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz has spiked oil, gas, nitrile, synthetic rubber, packaging, silicone oil, and aluminum foil prices.
Some raw materials have risen 100 percent, with higher freight and shipping costs adding pressure.
Karex sells its own One brand condoms for 9 ringgit (over $2) per three-pack in Malaysia.
Demand for condoms has risen this year, including in developing countries, despite prior hits from U.S. funding cuts to family planning programs.

Details and context

The Iran war has disrupted global supply chains by blocking key Middle East routes, raising costs for petrochemical-derived materials essential to condom production. Karex relies on more than 100 chemicals and raw materials; a shortage in even one could stop factory lines. The company has enough stock for now but faces lean customer inventories due to shipping delays.

Last year, Karex's government-funded AIDS prevention and family planning business suffered after the Trump administration cut U.S. Agency for International Development funding for overseas condom distribution. Goh Miah Kiat, CEO for over a decade, sees rising demand but warns prolonged conflict could lead to job losses and broader shortages.

Key quotes

“Some raw material prices have increased by 100 percent. We have no choice but to make adjustments now,” Goh Miah Kiat, chief executive of Karex, said in an interview.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/world/middleeast/karex-condom-price-increase-iran-war.html)

“If the war persists, Mr. Goh said, a shortage of even a single item could ripple through its factories and bring production to a halt. ‘There will be jobs that will be at stake,’ Mr. Goh warned.”[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/world/middleeast/karex-condom-price-increase-iran-war.html)

“Everyone hopes that this ends fast and swiftly,” he said.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/23/world/middleeast/karex-condom-price-increase-iran-war.html)

Why it matters

The Iran war's supply chain fallout now hits everyday health products like condoms, showing how geopolitical conflict raises costs across industries from energy to manufacturing. Consumers may pay more for brands like Durex and Trojan, while public health programs in developing countries could face tighter access amid rising demand. Watch for further price hikes or shortages if disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz continue beyond the next few months.

What changed

Before the Iran war intensified in late February 2026, Karex managed stable raw material and shipping costs. Now, some input prices have doubled, global freight has surged, and supply chains are strained, prompting price increases of up to 30 percent. The shift became critical this week, as stated by CEO Goh Miah Kiat.

FAQ

Q: Why is Karex raising condom prices?

A: Karex blames a surge in raw material prices up to 100 percent, global shipping disruptions, and higher freight costs tied to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. These affect materials like nitrile, synthetic rubber, silicone oil, and packaging. The company must pass on costs to avoid halting production.

Q: What share of global condoms does Karex make?

A: Karex produces about five billion condoms a year, making up one-fifth of the world's supply. It supplies major brands like Durex and Trojan, plus government programs. Factories in Malaysia and Thailand employ 3,000 people.

Q: What risks does prolonged war pose for Karex?

A: A shortage of even one of over 100 needed chemicals could stop factories, risking 3,000 jobs. CEO Goh Miah Kiat warned of potential panic buying if supplies run low. Demand has risen this year despite prior U.S. funding cuts.

Q: How has U.S. policy affected Karex recently?

A: Last year, Trump administration cuts to U.S. Agency for International Development funding hit Karex's sales to AIDS prevention and family planning programs abroad. Demand has since rebounded in developing countries.