Global supplies of condoms are tightening sharply as production and distribution face mounting strain, raising concerns about access in many regions.
The world’s largest manufacturer, Karex, says demand has surged by around 30% this year while supply chains struggle to keep pace. Shipping delays linked to the ongoing Iran war mean deliveries that once took a month are now taking nearly twice as long, leaving large quantities stuck in transit instead of reaching markets where they are urgently needed.
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At the same time, shortages of key raw materials such as synthetic rubber and lubricants are slowing production. Rising costs for these inputs have compounded the problem, forcing manufacturers to adjust output and prioritize existing orders rather than expanding supply quickly.
The shortage is being felt most acutely in developing countries, where stockpiles are already low. Reduced funding from international aid programs, including those linked to United States Agency for International Development, has further weakened the ability to maintain adequate reserves.
With demand rising and shipments delayed, many regions are now facing limited availability, raising concerns about access to contraception and the broader impact on public health.
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