Condom Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

The global condom market size by revenue was valued at USD 7.29 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 10.44 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.16% during the forecast period. Efforts to raise awareness about the importance of condom use have significantly increased, with retailers and marketers developing innovative methods to educate consumers about the benefits of maintaining a healthy sex life. As end users become more informed and technological advancements continue, the condom market is gaining substantial attention. Moreover, condoms are essential for a healthy sexual lifestyle and are one of the primary contraceptive products used worldwide. The condom market growth has been rising due to factors such as population growth, increased awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, and the emphasis on safe sex promoted through sex education platforms.

Condoms are contraceptive devices used during sexual intercourse to prevent unwanted pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are made from materials such as latex, polyurethane, and lambskin and come in various shapes, sizes, and styles, including ultra-thin, textured, flavored, and colored options to suit different preferences. Also, the condom market includes various marketing and distribution channels, such as direct-to-consumer sales, government-sponsored programs, and partnerships with healthcare providers. Furthermore, vendors meet the demand by offering various sizes, shapes, thicknesses, flavors, prices, and packaging options. Government and health ministry initiatives in countries like Brazil, Poland, and Thailand that support free condom distribution further drive the market growth. Additionally, the rise in per capita discretionary income and the growing number of dual-income households in developing and developed markets are significant growth factors for the global condom market. Also, the growth of the condom market in the United States is likely due to innovations and the introduction of new product formats. Key new entrants in the global market will likely be based in the United States. The increasing funding for R&D activities to introduce products that can be safer, offer better comfort and have differentiated functionalities will contribute to industry growth in the future.

MARKET TRENDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Increasing Popularity of Female Condoms

The introduction of female condoms has created a new industry segment itself, with its adoption still in the nascent stage, offering significant scope for growth. Over the years, several women’s groups have advocated for a rise in investment in and distribution of female condoms based on gender equality. Despite making significant progress in various technologies, only a few companies engage in devising female condoms. The three key companies devising female condoms include Church & Dwight (TROJAN), Cupid Limited, Veru (The Female Health Company), and HLL Lifecare Ltd.

The global condom market is primarily observing a significant growth in focus on women customers. For instance, the women’s condom market in the U.S. is attracting vendors and investors after the FDA made the much-awaited transition of female condoms from Class III to Class II, which enables the product to be sold over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. This transition even led to the female condom company (FC2) rebranding its product version by the name FC2 internal condom. Other locations worldwide, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, China, India, and Europe, have immense potential but lag due to diverse factors. However, female condoms can strategically be well-positioned to leverage the growing demand and existing brand awareness to grow substantially.

Branding via Impactful Campaigns

Advertisements and successful campaigns are key vendor growth factors in almost any commodity market. The same goes for the global condom market. Vendors in the condom market have a lot of scope to create a brand image that projects them as leading and responsible players. This is because branding and advertisements substantially affect the minds of the modern-day customer. Branding and marketing using digital platforms are the major strategies of various vendors, which strongly influence consumers. Over the years, numerous campaigns have been conducted by multiple condom brands to spread awareness of sexual health diseases and transmissions. Some key campaigns driving the industry for condom manufacturers include the Great American Condom Campaign, organized annually to distribute 1,000,000 Trojan brand condoms throughout college campuses in the U.S. to spread awareness of sexual health and enhance the policies affecting young lives and health.

Innovative Condom Designs

Condoms are not only used for birth control but also for protecting users from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). They restrict fluid exchange and are usually not popular because they reduce physical stimulation and provide an unnatural sensation. However, post-sex contraceptive solutions such as pills and surgical procedures to prevent pregnancies are relatively more harmful than condoms. This has led many firms to research, innovate & develop a variety of condoms in the market. The technology-driven condoms are some of the new & innovative contraceptives that are highly preferred by people. As many end-users are allergic to latex, they highly prefer to use these latex-free condoms, thereby motivating various companies to manufacture and produce latex-free condoms. The technology-based condoms are usually light & slim and are available in different colors, sizes, & scents as per the consumer needs. Some of these condoms include ORIGAMI, Hydrogel, and The Galactic Cap. ORIGAMI Condoms are mainly allergen-free and lack an odor or smell, and allow for easy, smooth, & better motion during intercourse. Hydrogels are usually biodegradable & eco-friendly and consist of properties similar to tissue which can be designed & felt as skin.

Government Initiatives for Free Condom Distribution

Free condoms distributed by the government have always been and will continue to be a major source of condom distribution, especially for poor people. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) has been distributing free condoms since 1971, and under its recent initiative, it enables social service organizations to directly order free condoms from DOHMH’s website as frequently as needed. In addition, in 2023, the government of Thailand also announced free condom distribution in pharmacies and primary care units of hospitals across the country. To promote safe sex ahead of Valentine’s Day and curb the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as well as teen pregnancy, the Thailand government distributed 95 million free condoms. The NHSO aimed to distribute condoms for free to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of sexually-transmitted diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, cervical cancer, HIV, and AIDS.

Growing Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

The growing incidences of HIV cases worldwide have made governments, institutions, and NGOs reduce the prevalence of HIV by creating awareness of the virus, its origin, and its mode of transfer in human bodies. Free samples of condoms, both male and female, have been distributed by these agencies to promote safe sex and a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, this has helped society as people have become aware of HIV and other STDs and have started using contraceptives during sexual intercourse. As the awareness of HIV increases, the demand for condoms is also expected to rise during the forecast period. Also, the growth in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) across Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, among others, has remained high. Since 2005, HIV growth in APAC has been very significant. This is one of the key drivers for the condom market in Asia. With an increase in HIV cases in the region, vendors have a wider scope for promoting their products, such as condoms, in these markets.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Rise in Product Counterfeiting

As the condom market grows in terms of sophistication and the number of value-added offerings, the risk of counterfeit products also arises. Counterfeiting has spread its reins from durables such as books, furniture, electronics, and appliances to consumables, including contraceptives. Counterfeiting of condoms involves imitation of value-added branded products, wherein counterfeited products are made from cheap materials, thinner, not tear-resistant, and not subject to proper testing procedures for leakage. These condoms cannot be used for birth control or to prevent STDs as they do not serve as effective barriers. In addition, fake condoms are often subject to the use of inappropriate lubricants and spermicides, which can potentially lead to serious skin rashes, abrasions, fungal infections, and other bacterial and viral infections.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHT BY PRODUCT

The global condom market by product is segmented into male and female condoms. In 2023, the male condom segment dominated the global market share in terms of revenue. Consumers prefer male condoms due to their easy availability, low cost, and higher preference among couples compared to female condoms. Also, male condoms are majorly the cheapest contraceptive measures in the industry, with high availability, wearability, & disposability. Thus, male condoms are easy to purchase and use by the male population.

However, despite being in the early stages of adoption, there has been an increase in innovative female condom products. One notable innovation is the anti-rape condom, designed to protect women against forced sex. Anti-rape condoms are intended to be pre-inserted into the vagina and retained during potential assault situations. Another major advantage of female condoms is they can be bought without a prescription except in the US, where FC2 has been started to be sold as prescription medicine. Psychological barriers among male customers are less than females in emerging countries while buying contraceptives. Female condoms, therefore, empower women and save them from the stigma since they can procure these condoms from vending machines themselves. Also, companies such as The Female Health Company (now Veru) have been enjoying a monopoly in offering female condoms in the US as its products FC1 and FC2 were certified and approved by the US FDA. The world’s largest consumer market for female condoms is in the US. However, the competition outside the US market and the pricing pressure on product FC2 are increasing. Other female condom manufacturers have also completed the WHO prequalification process successfully and have been cleared by the UNFPA for the purchase of female condoms by UN agencies.

INSIGHT BY MATERIAL

The global condom market is segmented into latex and non-latex based on the material segment. In 2023, latex condoms dominated the global market. Latex condoms cost less than non-latex condoms as rubber as a raw material is less volatile in price, available at low cost, and easy to procure. Also, with the right blend of additives, latex condoms show better performance and aesthetics. These condoms also work better with water and silicone-based lubricants. Furthermore, unlike latex, which remains the predominantly used raw material for the manufacture of male condoms driven by their versatility of use, female condoms are majorly made of non-latex/synthetic materials. In addition, advancements have been made in non-latex condom materials. For instance, in June 2024, SKYNN introduced Supreme Feel Condoms, claiming them to be the "world’s thinnest polyisoprene condom,” thereby designed to offer a premium experience, promoting intimacy, comfort, and pleasure. These condoms are made from SKYNFEEL material, offering a natural fit, softness, elasticity, and tension.

Furthermore, the rise of non-latex condom offerings is driven by the need for non-allergic contraceptives that can potentially offer better overall performance than latex ones. Non-latex condoms, usually made of polyurethane, polyisoprene, or nitrile rubber, are thinner than latex condoms and are found to provide better sexual pleasure and sensitivity. Furthermore, non-latex condoms have an extended shelf life, less pungent odor, and are better heat conductors than latex condoms. The major reason for the high market revenue of non-latex condoms is their high per-unit prices. Moreover, non-latex condoms are more conducive to heat, giving a more natural feeling during mating. There are four major non-latex offerings in the market: polyurethane, polyisoprene, nitrile, and lambskin. Polyurethane is one of the types of synthetically created, non-allergic plastic. This type of condom is safe to use with oil-based lubricants. The SKYN condom is the first polyisoprene condom to be approved by the US FDA and is the largest-selling polyisoprene condom globally.

INSIGHT BY END-USER

The global condom market by end-user is segmented into branded and institutional condoms. The branded condoms segment held the most significant global industry share in 2023. Branded condoms are treated as reliable products concerning pregnancy prevention. Numerous vendors worldwide are manufacturing branded condoms. Durex-led Reckitt Benckiser is the leader in branded condoms, followed by LifeStyles, Cupid, Karex Berhad, and Church & Dwight. Also, with the evolving demographics and global population, branded condoms serve as preventive solutions for both STDs and fertility rates.

However, institutional condoms are low-price, non-commercial products that are widely used for social marketing and creating awareness across numerous societies. NGOs and other global organizations, including UNAIDS, distribute institutional condoms to generate awareness. As the fight against HIV has been carried forward, the demand for institutional condoms across underdeveloped regions has witnessed a significant rise over the past few years. In addition to this, the US market dynamics also suggest the presence of an open market for institutional condoms because of the high procurement cycle. Key organizations such as UNAIDS, NACO, CONRAD, PSI, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, among numerous others, fulfill the demand for institutional condoms by procuring them from the US. This, in turn, creates a large market for institutional condoms.

INSIGHT BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

The offline distribution channel held the most prominent share of the global condom market in 2023. Condoms are mainly sold through retail distribution channels such as specialty stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, mass-market players, drug stores or pharmacies, and grocery stores. The long-established, decade-old offline retail channels of condom manufacturers such as Reckitt Benckiser and Church & Dwight have increased condom sales. These vendors primarily leverage offline retail stores such as specialty stores and supermarkets, thus contributing to the segment's growth. Furthermore, while institutional condoms are sourced or procured directly through manufacturers via tenders, branded condoms are sold via several distribution channels. In 2023, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided 269.9 million male condoms and 1.9 million female condoms to 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean using the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Furthermore, the online segment is witnessing significant growth in the global condom market during the forecast period. This is primarily because online stores offer a variety of options to choose from than retail stores. Many consumers who are avid users of e-tailing services seek to buy condoms online because of the ease of accessibility and convenience afforded by such channels. Some vendors offer YouTube videos (video tutorials) and help beginners gain knowledge of the applications and make them aware of these products. In addition, prices offered on the Internet are lower than in retail stores because of the discounts offered by vendors to promote their products. Online offers also include product bundles at low prices and enable the access of potential consumers to consumer reviews that brick-and-mortar distribution formats lack. Online availability of condoms has been beneficial for consumers, especially during the physical distancing period. Moreover, many consumers opt to buy condoms online with ease & privacy rather than buying from any specialty stores.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

The APAC region dominated the global condom market share, accounting for a global revenue share of over 34% in 2023. The high penetration of condoms in countries such as Japan and China helped APAC contribute significantly to both the value and volume of the global industry. Japan led the region, as it is a large adopter of contraceptives, wherein male condoms are the preferred choice. Also, the high urbanization rate in developing APAC countries will bolster the demand for condoms as people are aware of the products and will have access to them in retail stores or drug stores. Furthermore, the condom market in APAC is witnessing high growth in India, China, and South Korea, and these devices are also gaining popularity among end-users.

The North American condom market holds a significant share of the global industry. The penetration of sexual wellness products in North America remains high, and the market revenue has been increasing steadily. Although the sales growth of branded condoms remains moderate in the region, the growing institutional sales are likely to increase the revenue in the future. Furthermore, the European condom market is growing due to the rising popularity of condoms and the drop in per-unit prices. Condoms are the most widely used contraceptives among European men due to their universal access, reversibility, and low cost. One of the major reasons for the high adoption of condoms among European households is an increase in the per capita disposable income.

The increased awareness about condoms in African countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda, among others, has resulted in higher sales of condoms in the region. However, there is a low popularity of condoms in the Middle East, and the low prevalence rate is often attributed to religious and cultural values, which discourage pre-marital sex, encourage faithfulness between partners, and emphasize universal male circumcision. Condom usage is often attributed to illicit sexual activities and is against the teachings of Islam; therefore, a significant majority is against their use. While the Middle Eastern market is extremely conservative, there is a huge demand for such products in the shadow economy. These products are not sold legally in the open market. The market is challenged by the prohibition of these products and tight scrutiny by customs officials, making sourcing difficult and hampering the market growth. However, the immigrant population, particularly expatriates from Europe and Asia, are the major adopters of contraceptives. Further, there is a growing adoption and acceptance of condoms among the indigenous population, overcoming cultural barriers due to changing economic factors and improving standards of education.

Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina will be a few potential markets for condoms in Latin America during the forecast period. The condom market is expected to witness high traction in demand from Brazil during the forecast period due to rising living standards, growing per capita disposable income, and the increasing availability of condoms in the region. Latin America has witnessed significant economic growth, with Brazil leading the region in terms of GDP and per capita income. Also, the high prevalence of HIV in the region is encouraging government bodies and vendors to increase awareness and education about condom use. Men engaging in sex with non-regular partners are more likely than women to use condoms. Free condoms are provided in various countries of the region to key populations and young people. However, the level of condom distribution is inadequate. There is a huge requirement and opportunity to increase the availability, access, and affordability of condoms in the region.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global condom market is highly fragmented, with numerous top vendors. However, slow-paced market consolidation is expected in the coming years. Prominent players in the global condom market include Church & Dwight, Karex Berhad, LifeStyles, Okamoto Industries, and Reckitt Benckiser Group. Vendors are compelled to redefine their unique value propositions to strengthen their market presence. The industry is moderately fragmented, featuring many international players offering highly functional condoms and innovative designs. Major vendors like Reckitt Benckiser, Okamoto Industries, LifeStyles, and Church & Dwight have a significant presence in North America, APAC, and Europe. However, local vendors offering similar products at lower prices have intensified price competition, posing a threat of low-quality product infiltration.

Major vendors continually vie for the leading market position, facing occasional competition from local vendors. Regional vendors will struggle to compete as international players expand their industry footprint. Competition will primarily revolve around quality, quantity, technology, services, innovation, and price. Furthermore, vendors in the global condom industry can consider several approaches as their growth strategy. These approaches cater to all types of customers. Government authorities play an important role in the global condom market as they help vendors reach consumers by leveraging the comparative advantages of each supply source.

There is intense competition in the condom market as all players compete to gain more market share. The condom market will witness a rise in consolidation due to the intensely competitive environment. Top Glove has long dominated the glove industry with a significant market share, and its extension into the condom market poses a threat to Karex, which holds the reputation of being the largest condom manufacturer in the world with an annual production of six billion units of condoms. These factors make it imperative for vendors to distinguish their products and service offerings using a clear and unique value proposition. Else they will not survive the highly competitive environment. In addition, they must develop high functionalities and continue upgrading their products to keep pace with the latest technological developments, failing which they might lose relevance in the condom market.

Also, vendors in the global condom market can consider several approaches as their growth strategy. These approaches cater to all types of customers. Such as government authorities play an important role in the global condom market as they help vendors reach consumers by leveraging the comparative advantages of each supply source. Vendors are expected to witness higher sales by targeting the untapped markets of APAC and the Middle East & Africa by collaborating with government bodies. Spreading awareness through campaigns in collaboration with government bodies is expected to eventually increase sales for vendors. Initially, condoms were sold with just one agenda prohibiting STD transmission. However, the market dynamics have changed now. Apart from targeting untapped markets by creating awareness of STDs, vendors also need to meet the customer demands of product variety.

Key Market Development in the Global Condom Market

1. In 2023, Reckitt and Durex launched the ‘Safeteen First’ Programme in partnership with UNFPA in Thailand and Mexico.
2. In 2022, Church & Dwight focused on improving their TROJAN share by offering a new TROJAN Raw Non-Latex condom, considered America's thinnest condom.
3. Okamoto aims to enhance its distribution network by leveraging strategic partnerships in the global market.