KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s rubber glove market share in the United States is expected to rise from 47 per cent to 55 per cent despite a 10 per cent tariff hike and reciprocal duties imposed by Washington, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
“Producers from China face even higher tariffs, giving Malaysian exporters a relative edge,” he said during MITI’s Q1 2025 performance briefing.
The US glove market is projected to reach US$4.17 billion by 2030.
Rubber products already rank among Malaysia’s top five exports to the US, with shipments valued at RM7.41 billion or 3.7 per cent of total trade.
On furniture, Zafrul said exports have so far shown resilience despite US tariffs.
Malaysia, which faces a 24 per cent tariff, held a 2.4 per cent share of the US furniture market in 2024—well below Vietnam’s 19.8 per cent, which is now subject to a steeper 46 per cent tariff.
“The lower rates for Malaysian furniture compared to regional peers like Cambodia and Vietnam may attract more US importers,” he added.
MITI’s report also noted that wood products accounted for RM6.02 billion (3.0 per cent) of Malaysian exports to the US last year, making it another key sector for potential trade gains.
