Karex, the world's largest condom maker, faces mounting business pressures
By
The Economist
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Summary
Malaysia, a historic rubber producer with about 150 years of experience, is home to the world's largest condom manufacturer, Karex. The article, titled "War and love," examines whether Karex can withstand current pressures affecting the business. It appears in the Business section of The Economist's May 30th 2026 print edition.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledMalaysia has long been one of the world's biggest rubber producers.
The country no longer accounts for as high a share of global supply as it did under British colonial rule, but one consequence of around 150 years of experience working with the material is that the country is home to the world's largest condom-maker.
Will Karex break under pressure?
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