Latest news with #OonKimHung
The Star
7 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Margma calls for tariff talks with US over glove duty hike
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) has urged the government to promptly enter sectoral tariff negotiations with the United States (US) following Washington's decision to raise import duties on rubber gloves to 25 per cent from Aug 1, 2025. MARGMA president Oon Kim Hung said members were ready to support the government's efforts in engaging with the US to seek an exemption or, at minimum, maintain the existing 10 per cent tariff. "These gloves are not luxury items but essential medical supplies. A 25 per cent tariff will disrupt supply chains, drive up healthcare costs, and hinder patient safety,' he said in a statement today. The association said Malaysia's glove industry has long collaborated with the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to curb trans-shipment abuse and maintain its reputation for quality and responsible manufacturing. MARGMA called on Malaysia's trade negotiators to seek the same sector-specific consideration granted to other strategic industries, to ensure continued access for US healthcare providers to Malaysian-made gloves. It noted that Malaysia supplies nearly half of the US demand for natural rubber and nitrile gloves - critical healthcare products subject to strict US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. With US demand projected by MITI to reach US$4.17 billion by 2030, MARGMA warned that higher tariffs could threaten patient care and drive up costs for hospitals and other healthcare providers.(US$1 = RM4.24). "Rather than undermining US manufacturing, Malaysian glove makers have demonstrated their commitment to the American market. For example, Supermax Corporation Bhd has invested US$350 million in a production facility in Texas, highlighting our industry's long-term dedication to supporting US healthcare,' Oon said. He added that MARGMA reaffirmed its commitment to a sustainable global supply and expressed hope for a tariff outcome that balanced fair trade with public health priorities in both countries. - Bernama
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
MARGMA urges swift tariff talks with US to safeguard medical glove supply
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) is calling on the Malaysian government to act swiftly and enter sector-specific tariff negotiations with the United States following the announcement of a steep import duty hike to 25 per cent, effective 1 August 2025. Malaysia supplies nearly 50 per cent of the US market's natural rubber and nitrile gloves, which are essential medical products that must meet stringent FDA standards. According to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), US demand for gloves is projected to reach US$ 4.17 billion by 2030. MARGMA warned in a statement that the sudden tariff increase could undermine patient care and raise costs for hospitals and healthcare providers across the US. Far from threatening US manufacturing, Malaysian glove makers have demonstrated strong, long-term commitments to the American market. MARGMA highlighted Supermax Corporation Bhd's US$ 350 million production facility in Texas as clear proof of the industry's role in supporting US healthcare resilience. "MARGMA members stand ready to work with both governments to secure an exemption or at minimum maintain a 10 per cent tariff on rubber gloves", said Oon Kim Hung, the association's president. "These gloves are not luxury items but essential medical supplies. A 25 per cent tariff will disrupt supply chains, drive up healthcare costs and hinder patient safety." MARGMA noted that Malaysia's rubber glove industry works closely with the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) and MITI to uphold high standards and prevent trans-shipment abuse, protecting the industry's reputation for quality and ethical manufacturing. The association urged Malaysia's trade negotiators to push for the same sector-specific considerations granted to other critical industries, ensuring that US healthcare providers continue to have reliable, affordable access to world-class Malaysian gloves. MARGMA remains committed to a sustainable global supply chain and calls for a balanced tariff outcome that upholds fair trade while addressing the urgent public health needs of both nations.
