Malaysia gloves makers report "surge" in first-half trade

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia’s rubber glove industry has seen a "surge" in business during the first half of 2024, according to Oon Kim Hung, president of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA).

In the first six months, rubber gloves sales grew by 17.2% year-on-year to reach RM6.8 billion (€1.4 billion), the industry leader said at the International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition, 3-5 Sept in Kuala Lumpur.

Indeed, Oon Kim Hung described 2023 as "a trying year for our industry players, having faced challenges from the collapse of average selling price to geopolitical uncertainties."

However, he said, the industry that generates over 60% of Malaysia's rubber product exports. has emerged "stronger, with export figures showing a clear indication of our industry's resilience."

MARGMA's president went on to note the challenges and opportunities that have emerged since the global Covid-19 pandemic, and had "reshaped" the industry. 

These, he said, include "the climate change and the digital revolution that are currently demanding our collective attention and strategic responses."