KUALA LUMPUR: The increase in tariffs imposed by United States regulators on China-made rubber gloves is expected to give Malaysia a competitive edge, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the government views this situation as an opportunity for Malaysia's rubber glove industry to regain its market share in the US.
Currently, Malaysia's rubber glove industry holds 44 per cent of the US market, down from an average of 55 per cent between 2020 and last year, he added.
"The tariff increase is expected to raise the price of Chinese gloves in the US market, thereby making Malaysian gloves more competitive.
"As such, the government, through the Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), will boost efforts to promote rubber gloves by participating in major trade exhibitions in the US, such as the Florida International Medical Expo (FIME) and the International Restaurant & Food Service Show in New York.
"The government will also leverage this opportunity to promote natural rubber-based gloves," he said.
He was responding to a question from Kamal Ashaari (PN - Kuala Krau) who asked the ministry on the government's plans regarding the changes in global demand for nitrile gloves for Malaysia, taking into account the increase in tariffs on medical gloves from China by the US.
Chan added that the US remains the primary destination for Malaysia's rubber glove exports.
Out of the RM11.8 billion in glove exports last year, Chan said 35 per cent were exported to the US.
"The rubber glove exports are projected to reach RM13.7 billion this year, marking a 16 per cent increase compared to last year," he said.
He added that the rubber industry contributed RM27.8 billion to the country's expert revenue last year. Of this amount, rubber glove exports accounted for 42.6 per cent or RM11.8 billion.
"Trade issues arising from global geopolitical competition are beyond control and difficult to predict.
"As such, the government will continue focusing on expanding export opportunities into new markets such as South America, the Middle East, and Africa."