Global – The head of the world’s largest condom manufacturer, Karex Berhad, has warned that prices could rise by up to 30% or more if ongoing tensions involving Iran continue to disrupt global supply chains. Chief executive Goh Miah Kiat said production costs have surged sharply due to rising raw material prices and shipping disruptions linked to the conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The United States has signalled a clear interest in Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth as Washington moves to secure critical inputs for manufacturing and national security. Announced under Project Vault, a US$12 billion stockpiling initiative, the push aims to diversify supply chains for strategic minerals and reduce reliance on single suppliers. The US Embassy in Harare said Washington is “ready to engage with Zimbabwe on mutually beneficial supply chain transactions,” putting Zimba