Today brought the news of a new non-tariff trade barrier. This one falls into the category of technical barriers (especially using health and safety concerns). Here’s the headline:

Zimbabwe: Chinese Condoms Too Small for Zimbabwean Men – Health Minister

Is there really anything else to say? Of course.

Health minister David Parirenyatwa has challenged local companies to consider manufacturing condoms, saying imported options aren’t quite up to task.

The minister was speaking at the recent launch of a new board for the Zimbabwe Private Sector HIV and Aids Wellness Coordinating Programme (ZPSHAWP) in Harare.

…

“The youths now have a particular condom that they like but we don’t manufacture them. We import condoms from China and some men complain that they are too small.

“We need to look at that; you need to able to have your own condoms. So, if you want to be a big businessman, then manufacture them (condoms) for the region.”

Apparently Uganda has a similar problem:

Uganda: Condoms Too Small for Us – Karamoja Youth

Youth in Karamoja sub-region have asked the Health ministry to make condoms that fit everybody, saying the current sizes are small and slide off during sexual intercourse.

…

Mr Simon Lokol, 24, said the condoms that health officials are currently distributing are short and very tight, which has made several youth to abandon them.

Mr John Lokol, another youth, explained that the rubbers do not stretch to the last part of the male organ.

“I don’t blame God who gave me what I have right now, so these condoms don’t fit me and yet I am supposed to protect myself,” he said.

Sigh. Sometimes trade barriers take unusual forms. But there is a solution. Kimono makes the MAXX. Here’s the promo:

When condom size matters Kimono MAXX is the best of larger size condoms. Offering 25% more head room

Get some of those big boys to Zimbabwe and Uganda stat!