The Plantation and Commodities Ministry declared on Friday that Malaysia has implemented an immediate rule mandating all rubber glove exporters licensed under the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) to only export gloves manufactured by local producers.
The ministry stated today that the decision aims to uphold product quality, support the sustainability of Malaysia’s rubber glove industry, and prevent the country from being used as a dumping ground for foreign products.
“This is in view of global developments that reflect increasing uncertainty in the international trade landscape, including changes in policies among major world markets that directly impact the rubber supply chain and export market,” the ministry said.
The initiative involves stricter licensing rules for rubber glove exports in accordance with the Malaysian Rubber Board Licensing and Permit Regulations of 2014. The ministry added that such circumstances could lead to an increase in rubber glove imports, potentially affecting the competitiveness of the local rubber industry.
Malaysia ranks as one of the leading global producers and exporters of rubber and rubber-based products, with exports totaling RM33 billion in 2024. Rubber gloves alone accounted for RM15.4 billion, representing 45.8% of the total. The ministry reported that the MRB is collaborating with other enforcement agencies to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts in the rubber glove sector to preserve the reputation of the industry.
The decision follows the United State’s imposition of a universal 10% tariff on imports from all countries, along with additional tariffs on 60 nations, which have been temporarily suspended for 90 days. Malaysia was also subjected to a specific tariff rate of 24%.
The ministry further noted that it is exploring appropriate strategies to address changes in the global geopolitical and economic landscape, with the goal of safeguarding resilience and enhancing the marketability of Malaysia’s rubber industry.
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