The global market for Condoms is forecast to reach US$11 billion by 2027driven by the emphasis on preventing unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis and genital warts. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on reproductive health remains unchanged. With all non-essential manufacturing activities shut down under the lockdown imposed in most countries, production of condoms however is severely disrupted. Supply chain disruptions are additionally forcing plants to operate far below their nameplate production capacity. Karex, a Malaysian contraceptive giant is already witnessing production fall by over 200 million units. Chinese manufacturers are still struggling to get their production back on track. Classified as a medical device, shortage in condoms can affect reproduction health and well-being especially among the poor in low & middle income countries. With demand continuing to hold steady, the decline in production and trade will deplete inventory stockpiles in the coming months. Increase in unintended pregnancies and HIV & STD infections are fallouts that can burden the healthcare system in the post COVID-19 period.

In addition to the immediate focus on ramping up production rates, effervescent product innovations will also remain crucial to market growth over the long-term period. Few of the innovations focused on making condoms more effective, convenient, and pleasurable include condoms infused with lubricants such as aloe extracts; condoms with anti-ejaculation chemicals; color changing condom that detect STDs; and multi-textured condom varieties such as ribbed, dotted and condoms with ridges, grooves and bumps to increase stimulation; and condoms coated with antimicrobial chemicals; among others. The coming years are forecast to witness breakthrough innovations in condom materials and design such as condoms with Galactic Cap that has already secured pre-approved by the FDA; ORIGAMI condoms manufactured from alternative materials; and LELO HEX™ condoms featuring revolutionary hexagonal structure for increased thinness, strength and sensations. The market will also benefit from the policy led initiatives undertaken by governments worldwide to promote the concept of safe sex and create public health awareness over the importance of family planning. Asia-Pacific including China ranks as major market led by factors such as higher proportion of younger demographics; growing population and increased pressure on family planning; growing literacy rates and the gradual reduction in social stigma associated with contraceptives; women`s sexual liberation in emerging Asian countries, and growing popularity of female condoms.