‘No immediate impact’ on Malaysian gloves industry as US hikes Chinese tariffs

Kuala Lumpur – Recent US moves to raise tariffs on certain medical products originating from China are not expected to immediately benefit Malaysian rubber glove makers, believes the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA).

President Biden raised tariffs on certain Chinese medical products, including syringes, needles, and rubber gloves, on 14 May.

The measure is part of a broader set of US tariff hikes, which will see rates on rubber medical and surgical gloves from China increase from 7.5% to 25% by 2026.

The tariff rate on syringes and needles will increase from zero to 50%, and the rate for certain respirators and face masks will increase to 25% this year, up from the previous range of zero to 7.5%.

While the news “may bode well” for the Malaysian rubber glove players, the industry does not expect “much immediate impact, as it will only take effect in 2026,” said Oon Kim Hung, president of MARGMA.

According to Oon, about 35% of Malaysia’s rubber glove exports are to the US market, contributing approximately RM4 billion in 2023.

However, the association leader pointed out that the US also has its own domestic rubber gloves production.

To establish “sustainable and equitable prices”, MARGMA's president urged Malaysian producers to “continue to invest in ESG matters”.