Karex Berhad Warns of Condom Price Hikes Amid Supply Chain Disruptions Karex Berhad, the world’s largest condom manufacturer, announced plans to increase prices by 20 to 30 percent due to rising raw material costs linked to the Iran conflict, according to CEO Goh Miah Kiat in a Reuters interview published April 21, 2026. The company produces over five billion condoms annually and supplies major global brands including Durex and Trojan. Karex also provides products directly to consumers through its own brands such as Carex and ONE Condoms, and distributes in bulk to international health organizations like the United Nations and the World Health Organization for HIV prevention programs. CEO Goh Miah Kiat stated that cost increases for synthetic rubber, nitrile, aluminium foil packaging, and silicone oil lubricants have made the price adjustment unavoidable. “The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” he said during the interview in Petaling Jaya. The announcement triggered widespread discussion in China, where the hashtag “condom prices rising” garnered over 60 million views on Weibo, prompting concerns about potential stockpiling. Karex also reported a 30 percent surge in demand driven by freight delays and shipping disruptions that have left customers with lower-than-usual inventory levels. Headquartered in Port Klang, Malaysia, Karex operates three factories in Malaysia—located in Port Klang, Pontian, and Senai—and an additional facility in Hat Yai, Thailand. The company, founded in 1988 by Goh Siang and Goh Leng Kian, sons of Goh Huang Chiat, began as a rubber tree farm venture in Muar, Johor. In addition to condoms, which accounted for 93 percent of revenue in 2016, Karex manufactures personal lubricants, catheters, nitrile gloves, and ultrasound probe covers. The firm was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad and continues to operate as a public limited company under the ticker MYX: 5247. As global supply chains remain strained by geopolitical tensions, Karex warns that further price adjustments may be necessary if raw material costs continue to rise. The company emphasizes its commitment to maintaining access to sexual health products although navigating ongoing economic pressures.
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