Only locally produced rubber gloves allowed for export, says govt

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has imposed an immediate restriction requiring all rubber glove exporters licensed by the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) to only export gloves produced by local manufacturers, the Plantation and Commodities Ministry announced on Friday (April 25).

The ministry said the move was made to ensure product quality and the sustainability of Malaysia’s rubber glove industry, while also preventing the country from becoming a trade diversion destination for products from other nations.

“This step is taken in view of the 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.

“These circumstances may lead to a rise in rubber glove imports, which could affect the competitiveness of the domestic rubber industry,” the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The ministry said that Malaysia was among the world’s top producers and exporters of rubber and rubber-based products, with exports totalling RM33.7bil in 2024, of which rubber gloves contributed RM15.41bil or 45.8 per cent.

In view of the ongoing global trade challenges, the MRB has implemented several strategic initiatives to strengthen regulatory oversight of the industry, including tightening export licensing requirements for rubber gloves under the Malaysian Rubber Board (Licensing and Permit) Regulations 2014.

Additionally, the MRB is also actively conducting joint operations with other enforcement agencies to enhance monitoring and enforcement in the rubber glove sector, in order to safeguard the image and competitiveness of the national rubber industry.

“The ministry and the MRB will continue to closely monitor the global trade developments and are always ready to implement proactive measures to protect the overall interests of Malaysia’s rubber industry, including all rubber products,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that it is also looking into suitable approaches in response to shifts in the global geopolitical and economic landscape to ensure the resilience and marketability of Malaysia’s rubber industry.- Bernama

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