Although contraceptives are still seen as taboo in Malaysia and many other countries around the world, some believe that we will see an increase in sales as Covid-19 restrictions ease up.
According to a report by Karex, a Malaysian condom manufacturer that is one of the world’s largest condom-makers, says that all of the pent up sexual energy from Covid-19 restrictions in the past 2 years will result in a boom in condom sales as the world starts to open up once again.
Karex reportedly produces about 5.5 billion condoms a year, but it expects the numbers to increase in 2022 as it thinks that the pandemic is reaching its end.
“The recommencement of social interactions that have been absent for over a year in many countries is expected to drive the immediate term demand for condoms and lubricants.”
Much to the surprise of the company, condom sales declined in the past two years as pandemic restrictions reduced social interactions.
Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat had previously anticipated that there would be a strong demand for condoms that in March 2020 he warned of potential global condom shortages.
Goh said that during the pandemic, Karex noticed sales dropped about 40%. However, the decrease isn’t just because people weren’t having sex.
“A large portion of condoms are distributed by governments around the world, which have reduced significantly during Covid-19,” said Goh.
He also pointed out that sexual wellness clinics which hand out a ton of contraceptives were typically closed due to their non-essential nature in light of Covid-19.
As restrictions start to lift in countries and people become a little more social, Karex expects the demand for rubbers to shoot up.
“We must not lose focus of the fact that condoms will still have a critical role to play as the world emerges from its fight against the Covid-19 virus,” he added.
Do you think there’d be a huge increase in demand? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: ‘World’s First’ Unisex Condom Invented By Malaysian Gynaecologist Commercially Available Soon
