KUALA LUMPUR: The tariff hike imposed by the United States on Chinese medical gloves offers the local glove industry an opportunity to recapture its US market share, according to the Plantation and Commodities Ministry (KPK). Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin stated that Malaysian gloves currently hold a 44 percent share of the US market compared to an average of 55 percent during the 2020-2023 period.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chan highlighted that the US tariff hike on Chinese medical gloves will make these products more expensive for American consumers, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Malaysian gloves. He expressed this view in the Dewan Rakyat in response to a query from Kamal bin Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) regarding the government’s strategic plans amid changes in global nitrile glove demand, especially with the US increasing tariffs on Chinese medical and surgical gloves to 50 percent in 2025 and 100 percent in 2026.

Chan further mentioned that the ministry will focus on expanding rub
ber glove exports to new markets such as South America, the Middle East, and Africa, addressing trade issues stemming from unpredictable geopolitical competition. To promote local rubber gloves, the Malaysian Rubber Council will participate in major US trade exhibitions like the Florida International Medical Expo and the International Restaurant and Food Service Show in New York.

Additionally, the government aims to promote natural rubber gloves and has introduced the Fund for Automation and Green Technology to support the modernisation of rubber glove production by industry players.