•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Karex Bhd, the world's largest condom manufacturer, produces more than 5 billion products annually and supplies many brands and health organizations worldwide. According to Reuters, Karex Bhd said it would raise prices by 20-30% in the near term, as the conflict in Iran places significant pressure on global supply chains. Company executives cited rising input costs, noting that petrochemical-related materials such as synthetic rubber, nitrile, lubricants, and packaging materials have all surged due to disruptions in the Middle East. Moreover, logistics costs have risen markedly. Transit times to major markets like the United States and Europe have nearly doubled, exacerbating inventory shortages. While supply is constrained, global demand is trending higher. Part of the reason is reduced international aid, particularly from the United States, affecting procurement for health programs in many developing countries. Karex Bhd currently produces over 5 billion products annually, supplying numerous brands and health organizations worldwide. The company says it remains able to source sufficient materials in the near term, but warns that cost pressures and supply-chain disruptions could persist if geopolitical tensions do not ease.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
