With Malaysia accounting for a large proportion of global glove supply, Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (Margma) has urged the government to introduce temporary relief measures to address the shortage of Nitrile Butadiene Rubber latex (NBR), due to the Middle East war and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The blockade has significantly disrupted global shipping routes and pushed Brent crude oil prices above US$100 per barrel, said Margma in a recent statement.
As NBR is manufactured from petroleum derivatives and is the primary raw material for nitrile gloves, the crisis has directly affected both its availability and cost.
Margma president Oon Kim Hung said the association hopes the government will engage with relevant ministries, commissions, and gas suppliers to provide support to the industry.
He said this includes temporarily suspending take-or-pay obligations, offering flexibility in minimum gas offtake requirements or granting waivers, downward adjustments, or rebates on contracted volumes until NBR supply stabilises.
“This relief would help manufacturers manage operational costs and avoid additional financial strain during this period of unprecedented global supply chain disruption,” said Oon.
Malaysia is a major supplier of rubber gloves to the global market, catering to 45% of global demand, and the NBR disruption could significantly affect supply and damage, the association said.
Margma adds it has been fully supportive of the government’s directive requiring 100% local manufacturing for glove exports.
“However, to uphold this standard and prevent trade diversion, our manufacturers need temporary relief to withstand this external supply shock and navigate the current supply-driven challenges,” Oon said.
Margma also called on the government to engage with Malaysian NBR suppliers to temporarily prioritise domestic supply to local nitrile glove manufacturers over overseas buyers.
Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers export to over 195 countries, serving hospitals, laboratories, manufacturers and essential industries around the world.
The rubber glove industry recorded a total export value of RM14 billion in 2025 and accounts for approximately 64% of the nation’s total rubber product exports.