You might have noticed that condom packets are often placed prominently in medical stores. The reason is clear—'condom'. Even today, people hesitate to say this word. It's not openly discussed within society. Retailers understand this psychology, which is why the packets are placed in plain sight, making them easier to purchase.
Yet, this is the same condom that people hesitate to mention, which has evolved into a billion-dollar industry worldwide. In Asia, the market for condoms continues to expand. Before delving into the current numbers, it's crucial to take a look at the history of condoms.
The History of Condoms
The mention of condoms dates back thousands of years. It is believed that around 5,000 years ago, in Jewish mythology, King Minos's story referred to using goat bladders as a form of protection. Ancient Egyptians also used protective methods, while in ancient Rome, condoms made from goat and sheep bladders and intestines were popular.
The Revolution of 1920
The true innovation came in 1920 with the invention of latex. This material made condoms easier to manufacture, more durable, and safer. Today, condoms are considered one of the most accessible and reliable methods of contraception. They not only protect against sexually transmitted diseases but also aid in population control and give women freedom.
Source: aajtak
Asia's Condom Market
Index Box is a market research and data analytics company that provides market analysis, trends, consumption, production, import-export data, and future forecasts on products and industries.
Recently, Index Box released a report on Asia's condom market, analyzing consumption, production, prices, and projections up to 2035. The latest report from Index Box reveals that Asia's condom market could reach 19 billion units and 405 million dollars by 2035.
The year 2024 was somewhat weak for this industry, with consumption dropping to 14 billion units and market value declining to 292 million dollars. It marked the second consecutive year of decline. However, experts believe this slowdown is temporary and that the market will regain momentum in the coming years.
Who is the Biggest Consumer?
According to the report, China is Asia's largest consumer, consuming 5.8 billion units, which accounts for roughly 42% of total consumption. India comes second with 2.4 billion units, followed by Turkey with 701 million units.
Leading in Per Capita Consumption: UAE
While China's total consumption is the highest, the United Arab Emirates leads in per capita consumption. Each person in the UAE uses an average of 31 units annually, followed by Turkey, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Price and Production Trends
There is a significant variance in prices. The average import price was 31 dollars per thousand units, whereas it was 48 dollars in Vietnam and only 9.6 dollars in Malaysia. Regarding production, after reaching 32 billion units in 2022, production declined to 26 billion units in 2024. In terms of value, production decreased to 522 million dollars. In export terms, Thailand, Malaysia, and China lead and collectively control 95% of Asia's exports.
The Upcoming Years
The report estimates that from 2024 to 2035, Asia's condom market will register an average annual growth rate of 3%. This means the market is not only poised to regain its speed but also to make great strides in the coming decade.
