Margma said Malaysian glove makers made up nearly half of the US’s natural rubber and nitrile glove market supply, adding that these were critical healthcare products for the country.

“With US demand projected to reach US$4.17 billion by 2030, any increase in tariffs will potentially threaten patient care in the US, raise costs for US hospitals, and others,” it said in a statement.

“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.”

Margma president Oon Kim Hung said the association was ready to work with both Malaysia and the US to secure sectoral exemption, or at least bring the tariff down to the minimum 10% rate.

“We urge Malaysia’s trade negotiators to seek the same sector-specific treatment granted to other strategic industries, ensuring that US healthcare providers continue to benefit from reliable access to world-class Malaysian gloves.”

On Monday, US president Donald Trump announced the 25% tariff on Malaysian goods following a 90-day delay in implementation of the initial 24% rate.

In a letter to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Trump said the deficit that the US had with Malaysia was due to Malaysia’s long-standing tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Anwar has said that negotiations are ongoing, and that he will raise the matter with US secretary of state Marco Rubio when they meet today.