‘Tariffs or otherwise, we are exporting rubber gloves to the US’

Despite the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, Malaysia will continue to export rubber gloves to the United States (US), confirmed Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

This is based on the fact that the rubber glove sector accounted for about RM15 billion out of RM37 billion for rubber and rubber based products last year.

“We will continue supply to the US, even with the tariff,” he confirmed to reporters at the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Silver Jubilee celebration today.

On the same note, efforts to diversify export markets for the local glove products are ongoing.

He also revealed that it is now mandatory for rubber gloves exported from this nation are locally made.

“We have to make sure that all exports of rubber gloves are Malaysian products. That was what I told the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), we will make it mandatory,” he said.

The ministry, through the MRB, strengthened regulatory oversight of the rubber glove sector in response to evolving global trade dynamics on Friday.

The ministry said that in line with the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy, the MRB has implemented several strategic initiatives to tighten industry regulation and address current global trade challenges.

These initiatives include tightening licensing requirements for the export of rubber gloves under the Malaysian Rubber Board (Licensing and Permit) Regulations 2014.