Weeks after it suspended production due to the coronavirus crisis, the world’s largest maker of condoms warned of a shortfall of about 200 million units by mid-April.
Karex, which makes one in five condoms sold globally, suspended operations at its three factories in Malaysia in late March due to the coronavirus outbreak. AFP reported on Wednesday that the restrictions mean Karex “expects to produce 200 million fewer condoms than usual from mid-March to mid-April”.
Karex chief executive Goh Miah Kiat conceded to AFP, “The world will definitely see a condom shortage.” He added, “It’s challenging, but we are trying our best right now to do whatever we can. It is definitely a major concern—condom is an essential medical device. While we are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, there are also other serious issues that we need to look at.”
Karex had initially suspended production until April 14, but has since restarted production with 50 per cent staff.
The shortage comes amid a surge in demand as people remain confined at home.
The UN has taken note of the shortage, warning its operations can only get “about 50-60 per cent of its usual condom supplies” due to coronavirus disruption.
"Border closings and other restrictive measures are affecting transportation and production in a number of countries and regions," said a UN Population Fund spokesperson. The UN Population Fund works in the area of family planning.
"A shortage of condoms, or any contraceptive, could lead to an increase in unintended pregnancies, with potentially devastating health and social consequences for adolescent girls, women and their partners and families," said the spokesperson. There could also be a rise in unsafe abortions and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, the UN Population Fund warned.
Hope from unexpected quarters
A glimmer of hope amid the condom shortage has come from an unexpected place: The origin of the coronavirus outbreak, China.
HBM Protections, a Chinese company that supplies about 1 billion condoms a year, is planning to triple the number of manufacturing lines by the end of 2020.
Shanghai Mingbang Rubber Products said it was ready to ramp up condom exports, which currently make up only about 10 per cent of its output, if there is a global shortfall.
